By Realty Executives International

If you’re wanting to break into the housing market and become a homeowner, the first thing you’ll often need is a home loan. The initial deposit on a home loan is generally between 10 to 20 percent of the total value of the property. There are also other upfront costs to take into account, which can take some home buyers by surprise.

The price of housing is getting more expensive, and that ultimate dream of owning your own home may be appearing out of reach. If you’re wanting to save for a deposit but don’t know where to start, there are several things you can do to help you save more, faster.

1. Take stock of your finances

Saving for a down payment takes time. By having a savings plan, you will stand a better chance of reaching your goal sooner. 

The first step involves taking complete stock of your current financial situation. Gather all bank statements and track all your expenses so that you get a clear idea of where your money is going. Any ‘non-urgent’ or non-vital expenses such as take-out meals, gym memberships, recurring subscriptions, or online shopping and impulse purchases, can be canceled to save more money. You will be surprised at how much your weekly habits such as purchasing a takeaway coffee can really add up. 

2. Shop smarter

Again, saving for a big financial purchase requires some sacrifice. Can you do away with expensive name brand products if it means being able to purchase a home sooner? When it comes to clothes shopping or buying furniture for your current household, you can look at purchasing second-hand or researching other saving tips. 

Used goods are far cheaper than new, and will help you to curb your spending costs. Any money you’ve saved buying used instead of new can go straight into your down payment fund. Plus, make sure to check for coupons or price match policies where you are shopping because some stores may give you a discount on the ticketed price, if it doesn’t match up with other stores or ads.

3. Get help

Whether it’s financial advice, housing assistance, or asking for a pay raise at work – getting help to save for your first house can be indispensable.

If you’re buying your first home, you can skip the confusion and ease money worries by speaking to a financial advisor. They can help you to find the right home loan and guide you through the process. They can also advise you on your finances and help you not only get the best deal when it comes to a loan but provide you with realistic steps to manage your finances and increase your savings.

Another option for anyone in the market for their first home is to look into government incentives. There are options available for first-time home buyers that can significantly reduce how much you have to pay out of pocket. This also includes government grants that help first home buyers pay for their homes. 

4. Consider your options

Saving for a house might pose a challenge for couples, but what about singles? Regardless of your current living circumstance, there are other options that can help you to save for a house. You can choose to move back home for a bit or house share with friends which will allow you to cut on rent and utilities. 

You might also want to change how you get around – for example, using public transport instead of your car will allow you to cut on driving costs and use this money to put into your house fund. You can also consider a second income source. This might look like selling your old clothes and belongings online or turning your hobby into a side business. 

There are many factors that can impact your personal position and ability to save. For some people, looking into other options can give them a bit more freedom and take the financial pressure off. For example, renting a house may offer more financial flexibility for someone who is single or who doesn’t have the borrowing capacity to buy a home. 

However, if your ultimate goal is to own your own home then know it is within the realms of possibility. So long as you keep on top of your finances and treat your savings seriously. 

Final Thoughts

By knowing your goals and putting a savings plan in place, you are already on the way to buying and owning your own home. While this current climate may seem like it’s impossible for anyone to save for a house, there are endless options that can be utilized to make it easier. 

From seeking financial help to researching home loan options, and making full use of any government grants, you can take the necessary steps that will lead you to your goal of homeownership.

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside

Palm Coast in Flagler County, Florida is a beautiful and quiet hidden gem with so many options!  This up-and-coming city has much to offer and is only expanding.  If you're reading this and are currently living out of the area or even out-of-state, we answered the 5 most commonly asked questions about Palm Coast for you!

Where is Palm Coast located?

Palm Coast is located on the Northeast coast of Florida, between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, in Flagler County.  Palm Coast is pretty large and has beach access in some areas.

What is it like to live in Palm Coast?

As stated above, Palm Coast is a city but with a small town feel.  Palm Coast is the 28th largest city in the Florida, with a population of 91,940.  More people are moving here because of it's quiet neighborhoods that are close to shopping anywhere you are.  What started as a 55 and older community has quickly grown to a family-oriented neighborhood where you can raise your children!  Grandparents are able to stay connected to their families since this is both a great place to retire and raise a family.

Palm Coast is a more affordable option as far as housing than it's surrounding areas, since it is up-and-coming and taxes are low. You can choose between a bustling neighborhood or a more rural, quiet area to live.  Palm Coast has so many options as far as recreation - various parks with woodsy trails, multiple beach accesses, new restaurants to try, year-round farmer's markets and craft fairs, the list can go on!  Palm Coast isn't far from big city areas for even better shopping and entertainment. Which brings us to the next question...

How close is Palm Coast to Orlando, Daytona Beach, etc.?

Palm Coast is an hour and a half away from Orlando; an hour to an hour and a half away from Jacksonville; 30 minutes away from Daytona Beach; and about 45 minutes away from St. Augustine. All of these times depend on where you are in Palm Coast.

What is hurricane season like in Palm Coast?

Depending on how close you are to the ocean, you could be untouched or you could be asked to evacuate for your safety.  Palm Coast has excellent resources when it comes to hurricane prevention for your home and storm forcasts as well as evacuation routes to follow if necessary.  If you are located inland and not in a flood zone, the worst you could experience are high wind speeds and lots of rain.  Our local electric company, Florida Power & Light (FPL), communicates with their customers efficiently, preps well for potential storm threats, and works quickly to get power back when it goes out.  

What is the current housing market for Palm Coast (as of Jan. 2021)?

For sellers, this is an excellent time to put your home on the market, since inventory is low and people from out-of-state are looking to move to Florida.  As a seller, you have more leverage to get the best price for you home.

For buyers, this means that if you love a house, you have to come prepared with a preapproval and a willingness to make a great offer quickly.  You could be fighting with other buyers who are offering full price! Preparation is key to ensuring you get the home you want.

Newly constructed homes are growing in popularity in this area as well!  Palm Coast hosts numerous builders to choose from that vary in what they offer. From affordable housing to beach mansions, there is something for everyone.  Pricing for new builds are currently rivaling already standing homes, but that isn't expected to stay the same for too long.  If you're looking to build your own home, now is the time to get started!

If you have any questions about living in or moving to Palm Coast, reach out to us!  As your local experts, we'd love to help you.  Connect with us today!

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside

By Realty Executives International

Whether you want inspiration to revamp your kitchen (and do it right!) or simply learn about what’s the most up-and-coming in the realm of kitchen design, we’ve got you covered.

There are many kitchen design trends that spring up each year, but here we dive deep into the top four ones that are very much here to stay.

Kitchen Islands

Breakfast bars and kitchen islands are not a new trend, but they’re surely here to stay. These provide a cozy spot for quick and casual dining and can also serve as a workplace with storage.

Breakfast bars, in particular, are a fusion of the dining table and the kitchen island that separate out as an ideal space just for socializing, eating and working. It’s essentially a multi-purpose area that makes you more efficient and thus, it remains popular.

Many modern homes have kitchen islands with an open kitchen layout, which adds to its convenience and ease-of-use. Also, having single-level islands allows light to smoothly stream through your kitchen space.

It’s also a good idea to opt for a kitchen island with a waterfall edge or overhang so as to create space for stools to tuck under the table.

Simply put, not only do kitchen islands and breakfast bars increase the intimacy of your kitchen, but they also expand its utility and valuable cooking space.

Brass Accents

2017 was arguably the year of copper, but in 2021, kitchen spaces are going back to their vintage roots, with bold brass accents making a definitive comeback.

Brass hit its peak in the ’80s and is now again a trending choice in cooking areas thanks to its warm, classy appearance and ability to age like fine wine.

The lustrous alloy blends well with a variety of finishes, presenting a warm contrast to cooler materials like chrome or stainless steel. Brass adds a nice dazzle to the kitchen, and an elegant accent to cabinets, faucets, fixtures and even appliances.

Brass is no longer an antique-looking material — it now comes with sleek, subtly shiny finishes that look unique. For the best impression, let your brass accents be the center of attention in your kitchen by setting them against all-white or neutral surroundings.

RTA Kitchen Cabinets

Having a neat, efficient and appealing cooking area is not a trend — it’s something that everyone wants. And kitchen cabinets contribute significantly in making that desire a reality, as they occupy nearly half of your kitchen’s wall space.

Traditional kitchen cabinets are costly, and there has been a growing trend of going DIY with ready to assemble (RTA) cabinets. This is a trend that’s here to stay, as RTA cabinets are extremely cost-effective, functional and easy on the eyes.

As end products, RTA kitchen cabinets aren’t that different from the usual cabinets — the only difference is that they come in a kit that contains everything you need (step-by-step, easy-to-follow visual instructions with tools and materials) for the final assembly.

While you have to invest some time and manual effort in assembling the cabinets, there are plenty of reasons why RTA cabinets are a growing trend:

• Huge cost savings with zero compromises in quality.
• A wide variety of options in terms of colors and designs, such as pure white thermofoil, sleek veneers, exotic hardwoods, you name it.
• Minimalistic look-and-feel and highly durable.

You can also opt for an environmentally-friendly design to decrease your carbon footprint and at the same time add a more contemporary look to your kitchen.

Sustainable Flooring

Sustainable design in many aspects of home design— including kitchen flooring — is fast increasing.

Sustainable flooring is essentially about minimizing VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) and your carbon footprint. Such flooring is made of natural and renewable materials that have been produced with minimal damage to the environment, and it also minimizes the release of toxins and constitutes a healthier cooking area.

Now, hardwood floors have always kept kitchens warm and cozy, and that won’t change anytime soon. But while traditional hardwood is a biodegradable material, you can’t name it “eco-friendly” as it results in a lot of deforestation.

However, if you opt for recycled hardwood, you’re going green with your flooring choice, as the recycled version reuses existing wood from trees that were cut down years ago, and is obtained from old buildings, landfills, barns, decks and so on. Thus, with recycled hardwood, you’re not contributing to more deforestation.

But based on yourtaste and kitchen styling, you also have other sustainable flooring options, such as:

• Bamboo: A beautiful and durable alternative, it shares similar traits to hardwood. It’s hygienic, affordable, easy to install and maintain.
• Cork: For a unique and contemporary look, cork is a great sustainable flooring choice. It’s shock-absorbent and comfy to walk on, insect-repellant, fire retardant and durable.
• Linoleum: Made of all-natural materials, linoleum is a classic flooring material that’s durable (can last for up to 40 years), water-resistant, fire retardant and easy to maintain.

So, to jump on the sustainability bandwagon, you have plenty of eco-flooring options today that are also good-looking, cost-effective, and functional.

Wrapping Up

Trends come and go, but bowing to their aesthetic and utilitarian value, the ones outlined above are here to stay — and worth investing in for your kitchen remodel.

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside

By Buffini & Company

The first year in real estate is the toughest. Figuring out what to do each day and implementing an effective real estate business plan is no easy task! Here are a few of the most common mistakes new agents face when starting out.

1. They Have No System for Their Business
No one tells you what to do when you first get into real estate! It can be hard to build a business without a system for real estate lead generation. Agents should implement a proven system that helps them understand exactly what they must do each day to create a pipeline of quality leads. It’s also important to set goals and track progress along the way!

2. They Are Transaction-Oriented
Most people can’t even remember their real estate agent’s name a year or two after a sale! That’s because many agents are hyper-focused on the transaction; they fail to stay in touch with clients and, as a result, lose out on referral opportunities. Instead, new agents should commit to keeping in touch through mailings, calls and even small appreciation gifts. Be there for clients before, during and after a transaction, and become their go-to real estate agent for friends and family.

3. They Are Available 24/7
As a new agent, you want to be there for your clients whenever you can, even if it isn’t convenient for you. However, over time, this approach will lower productivity and lead to burnout and fatigue. New agents must implement a strong real estate time management plan at the start to get the most out of each day, while maintaining an essential work-life balance.

4. They Live Paycheck-to-Paycheck
Getting your first commission check is exciting! It’s tempting to spend it all right away, but before you splurge on a new car or shopping spree, you have to make sure you have all your financial bases covered. Because real estate agents do not receive a set paycheck, agents must learn how to keep business and personal expenses separate, and how to divide each commission check to pay themselves first while also covering business expenses, taxes and other costs.

5. They Look Online for Leads
When building a database from scratch, buying online leads seems like an easy way to get clients quickly. However, online leads are more like soft inquiries, and the chances of them becoming lifelong clients are very low. Instead, new agents should cultivate a database through their current sphere of influence—not strangers on the internet—to build relationships and generate top-quality leads.

If you’re a new agent (or even someone who’s been in the business for years) and you find yourself making a few of these mistakes, it’s easy to get on the right track! The Pathway to Mastery^®—Essentials is a real estate training program from Buffini & Company that teaches agents at all stages in their career how to build a successful business that will thrive for years to come. Register to take this course online today!

For more information, please reach out to us!

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside

By Realty Executives International

The real estate market is affected by so many factors, and yet top, elite agents find a way to always grow and thrive in any market.

Sherri Johnson, premier real estate gives her take on how to work like the most productive agents do!

Making the difference

I remember my first manager telling me that I could make it in any market because I went out and “made it happen” and didn’t rely on one particular lead source for all my business. When you truly know how to add value and deliver five-star level service, you can create your own success. It takes grit, dedication, a business plan and a winning mindset.

Here, I share the “uncommon” characteristics of top selling real estate agents that allow them to keep growing their business regardless of outside economic factors.

These atypical but totally necessary behaviors ring true with all top, elite agents. When adopted and implemented fully, these attributes will become the “difference makers” you need to go from good to great and from wishful thinking to potentially doubling or tripling your production and income.

1. An inner drive to succeed

When you want to succeed, you will do whatever it takes to make your goals happen. First, you must know precisely what you want to accomplish. Is it an income goal or an achievement goal? Knowing what drives you will help you stay committed to the goals you set. Top real estate agents know what their inner drive to succeed is and use it to drive them every day. Know yours, share it with another person — your manager or a coach — and keep that inner drive alive. I can’t motivate a satisfied person. No one can. What motivates each of us is different, but it is that inner motivating drive to succeed that is in every top agent I know. Find it. Embrace it. Run with it.

2. Totally focused and disciplined

Successful agents maintain a laser focus on what they want to accomplish every day. How many listings, sales or calls do you need to make to hit your goals? Staying focused and avoiding distractions requires discipline, and this will help you achieve your success faster and with better clarity. Nothing will interrupt a top agent’s schedule to create new leads. Get zeroed in with your discipline and focus, and watch successful results happen almost immediately.

3. A winning mindset

Every top agent believes they are already a winner and that they can and will achieve their desired goals. Your mindset totally impacts your behavior and your daily actions. Develop the mindset that you have a listing or sale this week. You just don’t know the address yet! Create the positive, winning mindset that you are as good as the other agents in your market and that you can increase your average sale price or break into the luxury market successfully. I remember believing that I was already a $10 million producer before I was, and it gave me the self confidence and mindset to act like I had achieved my goals. Developing a winning mindset will allow you to win before you start your day and enable you to see your winning results happen just as you intended.

4. A beyond-positive attitude

I love when people say, “Are you always so positive?” And I say, “Yes, of course!” A top trait of successful agents is that they are beyond positive. They are positive about the market they sell in, positive about any offer they are negotiating, positive about any listing they are trying to sell — just always positive. Other agents love to sell homes with these agents because they are positive and keep everyone in the transaction positive too. It’s a winning trait and it works.

5. Action-based

Top agents don’t talk about what they want to do; rather, they constantly take action. They’re trying new things and making success happen for themselves. They’re not waiting for leads to come to them; they are going out and finding the opportunities. What types of action will you take to increase your business for yourself? Taking action makes opportunities happen. Top agents know this and live it!

6. Perseverance and a never-give-up attitude

There is always a way to solve an issue if you have the perseverance and attitude to exhaust all options to help put a deal together or keep one alive. Top agents have a “never, ever give up” mentality and it’s obvious. They will find a way to bring buyer and seller together for the good of both clients. This trait goes beyond the norm and really shows the dedication of adding value to clients.

7. Passion, humility and gratitude

Top agents have a humble and grateful attitude of gratitude. My belief is that this is what makes them even more amazing. They are passionate about serving.

8. Focus on listings

Top agents have always been focused on listings. Listings are the most important business activity an agent can do. All the marketing, name recognition, spin-off sales and listings, and all the credit goes to the listing agent. Top agents have mastered the art of servicing seller clients, and the payoffs are huge. Focusing on listings will make you the “name brand” and most recognized top agent in your market. Create a plan to increase your listing inventory and dominate your market with more for-sale signs with your name on them. This will create increasingly more success for your business.

Adopting these attitudes and behaviors will give you the ability to survive any market and create your own success each month. In the end, real estate is easy hard work. It’s easy if you like to proactively help people and solve their problems, but it requires a strong work ethic and commitment to work the business and make it happen.

Originally published by our partners at www.dotloop.com.

For more information, please reach out to us!

386-506-8008 | Oceanside@RealtyExecutives.com |  |  |   @REOceanside