Newly Constructed Home in Marianna
on Category: Real Estate
on Property Deed Fraud Is Growing in Florida
on Across Florida, scammers are selling peoples’ land and even homes behind their backs. It’s called property deed fraud, and there’s been a big spike in cases here in Florida because the real estate market in the Sunshine State is hot right now. So hot in fact, that numbers suggest approximately 1,218 people move into Florida daily. Officials are urging property owners to protect themselves by signing up for property fraud alerts.
More than 54% of real estate professionals experienced it firsthand in just the second half of 2023. It happens when a scammer steals someone’s identity and title and then sells their property without them knowing. Mary Justino with the Clerk of Clay County Court says: “There are instances where a person filed a fraudulent deed, and simply changed the name by one letter, or to change some of the information in the address or the text of the document by just one letter or two.”
To protect yourself and your property, sign up for your local county’s property fraud alert program. It sends emails and texts if there’s activity on land you own. To be clear, this DOES NOT prevent fraud but it’s like an early warning system.
Florida has 67 counties with property fraud alert programs; only Jackson and Okaloosa are still working to create a functioning program. For more info or the signup for your county’s alerts, visit the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers website.
Spring Listing Prep
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Are you planning to list your home this spring? March 21 isn’t that far away! For homeowners getting ready to sell, now is the time to start prepping. Check out the quick tips below:
- Straighten up your home! Put things away, organize the junk drawer, declutter the closets, and more.
- Complete any home repairs. Include everything, big or small. Do a walkthrough and make notes of what needs to be fixed; some things can be DIY but others will require a professional hire.
- Time to decide on a realtor! Research agents in your area, make a list of possible agents, and arrange meetings.
- Boost curb appeal! Clean up outside clutter, repaint the fence, add some native plants to the yard, fix the roof, power wash the driveway, clean your outdoor AND indoor windows, repaint doors, or consider upgrading the mailbox.
- Did you know native plants can increase curb appeal? Native plants require less maintenance and watering which makes seeking homeowners excited to enjoy the saving without the work!
New Listing in Marianna
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There’s a new listing in Marianna! 2815 Wynn Street is a brand new construction built in 2024. Centrally located to all of Marianna’s amenities, the home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a garage. The final construct will also have privacy fencing. There’s a lot to love about this house: beautiful stonework out front, a step-in tiled shower in the Master bath, wood laminate, and gorgeous oak trees around your home (to name a few).
Click here to visit the listing or contact Debbie at (850) 209-8039 to schedule a showing.
Love At First Sight: Let’s Talk Dream Homes
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It’s the month of love and falling for a house is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ loves that homeowners’ are searching for. Yet, buying the first house you look at is kind of like marrying the first person you ever go on a date with – not necessarily a good idea. Most professionals in the housing market agree that potential homebuyers view at least three houses, no matter how much you liked the first one you saw. What should you look for when it comes to searching for your dream home?
- POTENTIAL: the house you see is just a house. It’s what you bring to it that makes it a home. Maybe you don’t love the color or the mock layout (why is there 4 bedrooms when you could have a home gym and an office instead?) but those are things you can change. Let your imagination run wild when doing walk-throughs.
- FEATURES: identify the home features that keep you coming back. Maybe you absolutely adore the wrap-around porch but everything else feels meh. Put that porch on your list – your realtor might be able to find another listing nearby with a lower asking price or with other features you want.
- RED FLAGS: the first walk-through can feel exhilarating and fast. Maybe there was a bedroom ‘off-limits’ or you didn’t thoroughly inspect the house foundations. Allowing yourself to take some time between the first viewing and your offer means you’re less likely to miss something serious or end up falling for a false ‘love at first sight’ feeling.
FHA Home Repairs
on When it comes to securing a loan to purchase a home, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a popular option. They offer increased flexibility for homebuyers. However, homes must meet the FHA guidelines to pass HUD inspections. Click on the image to enlarge and learn more. 
New Homeowners: Inspection Checklist
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Are you getting ready to move into your new home? Here are a few things you should be sure to inspect during your walkthrough before moving in. This is typically the step after having a home inspection done. Completing a walkthrough is an important part of the purchasing process; it allows you to make sure any issues that came up during the home inspection were appropriately dealt with.
- Make sure any agreed-upon repairs were done.
- Check that any appliances that were supposed to be left or removed have been dealt with. Check that any remaining appliances are in working order.
- Test ALL outlets to be sure they are in working order.
- Additionally, test switches, light fixtures, smoke detectors, garage doors, and plumbing.
- Note any damage to floors, cabinets, ceilings, or walls.
- Check all caulking to make sure it’s sealed properly.
- Test any sliding doors or windows to be sure they open efficiently.
Jackson County Isn’t Growing
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While Florida is ranked as the eighth fastest-growing state in the United States, Jackson County is ranked as the ninth fastest-shrinking county in Florida. Jackson County is not only not growing, it is actively losing population. While Florida’s population grew by 14.5% from 2010-2020, Jackson County’s population declined by 4.5%.(1)
Florida itself is benefiting from the movement of industries and individuals from other states while Jackson County has failed to experience any significant inrush. The County has an abundance of natural resources, land space to accommodate affordable homesites, an above-average school system, and a highly-rated hospital. Community leaders are looking to create an action plan to draw new families, businesses, and individuals into the area.
6 Tips for Exceptional Real Estate Photos
on Are you getting ready to put your home on the market? Already have an appointment set for your realtor to come take photos to add to your listing? Here’s a quick checklist of things to check before you get your photos taken; putting the best foot forward is important when it comes to digital listings. Complete these tasks to get your house in tip-top shape!
- Clear the driveway and yard of clutter or unsightly landscaping growth. This means everything from the dead shrub in your old holiday pot to rolling up your lawn hose.
- Use your garage for storage; typically, garages aren’t photographed so use it as a space for garbage cans, cars, or boxes of items ready to move.
- Clear every surface in the home of personal items. Don’t leave out phone cords, paperwork, makeup, etc.
- Tidy the bathrooms; put down toilet seats, make sure mirrors have been cleaned, rugs aren’t out of place, etc.
- Clean all your windows inside and out; leave them open for the photos. Natural light adds to the beauty of your photos.
- Make plans for pets; please don’t expect a photographer/realtor to work around your pets. Try to have them out on a walk or with a friend/family member for the day.
Keystone Heights Listing
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