Solar Panels

As the cost of electricity increases, more homeowners are thinking about purchasing solar panels or enrolling in a solar lease program. Before committing your time, effort and money, consider these solar panel system pros and cons:

PROS

• Solar panels add value to your home. Nine out of ten home buyers prefer to purchase an energy-efficient home even if the price is 2%-3% higher than a similar non-energy-efficient home, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
• The federal government offers a 30% Investment Tax Credit against your personal income taxes on the purchase of a solar panel system.
• Solar lease programs offer a no-money-down option, a locked-in reduced electrical rate and a full warranty for the duration of the lease.
• Solar panel systems save you money on your monthly electrical bill. A solar lease provides an average 15% savings on monthly utility costs. The savings are even higher for panels that are purchased outright. However, this is offset by the cost of the panels. California is also a “net metering” state which means you receive credit on your electric bill for any excess energy your solar panels produce.

CONS

• Solar panel systems can cost $15,000-$30,000 installed.
• You may have to perform costly roof repairs before you can install solar panels.
• Solar lease contracts may cause a delay in closing or even cancellation of a pending home sale. Some buyers may not qualify to assume your solar lease. However, most solar companies will allow you to buy your solar panel system if you are interested in converting the lease. In this case, you will then need to negotiate with the buyer the price they are willing to pay for the existing system.
• Solar panel systems are long-term investments. On average, it takes a homeowner 20 years to pay off the full cost of a solar panel system. Solar leases eliminate the investment aspect, but still require a similar, lengthy commitment.

Remember to keep me in mind for all your real estate needs. Thanks!

Views that Never End! Emerald Grande W-225

Emerald Grande W-225

$1,295,000

Emerald Grande is the centerpiece of HarborWalk Village and one of the most sought after resorts along the Emerald Coast. You'll love this beautifully decorated condominium with spectacular panoramic water views of Destin's East Pass, Harbor, Crab Island, and the Gulf of Mexico. Wake up each morning and enjoy a cup of coffee on your wraparound balcony while watching the boats come and go. With 3 bedrooms and 3 baths that offers generous living space and stylish finishes, you'll enjoy a perfect setting for relaxing and entertaining. Beautiful hardwood floors and plenty of natural night flow throughout. Other special highlights include granite countertops in both the kitchen and bathrooms, recessed lighting and crown molding throughout. This condo is completely rental ready & currently with the on-site rental program with future rentals already in place!

Six Tips for Shopping for a Neighborhood

There’s more to shopping for a home than just looking for a house. A big part of the purchase is about the neighborhood and surroundings.

So before you move, know what to look for:

1. Where is it? The cardinal rule of real estate is location. Is the house close to schools, new jobs, parks, downtown or public transportation? Figure out the locations and distances that are most important to you.
2. Keep your budget in mind. Don’t let high-gloss brochures interfere with your bottom line. Luxury neighborhoods are beautiful, but make sure you’re financially comfortable buying a home in a fancy location before you commit.
3. Thriving or declining? Is your dream neighborhood improving, or settling into obsolescence? Are the neighbors keeping up their properties? Is there an abundance of ‘For Rent ’ signs?
4. Extra fees. If your dream neighborhood has a homeowner’s association (HOA), make sure you budget for monthly HOA dues.
5. Holding value. Shopping fixer-uppers? Remember not to improve the property beyond the rest of the neighborhood. Putting too much work into your house may mean you won’t recoup all your investment when you sell.
6. Go before you buy. Explore your new neighborhood outside of the open house times. Are the streets usually full of cars? Is there a drummer or noisy dog living next door? Talk to potential neighbors and get the scoop before you submit an offer.

Of course, you don’t have to find your dream house on your own. If you or someone you know is ready to buy a new home, call me today!

Beautiful Waterfront Condo Available to Purchase

Emerald Grande W-723

$649,000

Ownership at the Emerald Grande offers the highest level of luxury and elegance found anywhere along the Emerald Coast. W723 features beautiful water views overlooking Destin's East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. This condo features 9' ceilings and crown molding throughout. The kitchen is equipped with granite counter tops, cherry cabinets, and GE Profile stainless steel appliances. Amenities include European Spa and fitness center, indoor heated pool, Banquet & Catering kitchen, Business center, restaurants/lounges, luxurious Sunset Deck with Hot Tub and beautiful pool area serving food and beverages, shopping galore and a staff ready to cater to your every need. We invite you to come see for yourself...Sold Fully Furnished.

Click Here for More Info

Repairs to Consider Before Selling Your Home

Best Views in Destin! Fractional Ownership

Emerald Grande E305D

$129,900

Fractional Ownership! The resort residence of your dreams is within reach. Enjoy world renowned views overlooking Destin Harbor, East Pass, and the Gulf of Mexico from your 600+ square foot balcony. Owners of the luxury fractional shares at Emerald Grande experience a unique vacation lifestyle. Designed for those whose expectations of luxury and service are exceptionally high, Emerald Grande redefines resort living. Enjoy room service, daily housekeeping, onsite Spa and Fitness Center, garage parking, and much more. Fractional ownership allows you to purchase only what you use and removes the legwork of finding other buyers to partner with you and provides a hassle free ownership. At Emerald Grande, every imaginable activity awaits you, just steps from your door, in HarborWalk Village. Click the link below for more information and watch the video of a walk through of this incredible condo.

Click Here for More Info

The Importance of Using a Real Estate Agent

When a homeowner decides to sell their house, they obviously want the best possible price with the least amount of hassles. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is to actually get the home sold.

In order to accomplish all three goals, a seller should realize the importance of using a real estate professional. We realize that technology has changed the purchaser’s behavior during the home buying process. For the past three years, 92% of all buyers have used the internet in their home search according to the National Association of Realtors’ Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers.

However, the report also revealed that 95% percent of buyers that used the internet when searching for a home purchased their home through either a real estate agent/broker or from a builder or builder’s agent. Only 2% purchased their home directly from a seller whom the buyer didn’t know.

Buyers search for a home online, but then depend on an agent to find the actual home they will buy (53%), or to negotiate the terms of the sale & price (48%), or to help understand the process (60%).

The plethora of information now available has resulted in an increase in the percentage of buyers that reach out to real estate professionals to “connect the dots”. This is obvious, as the percentage of overall buyers who used an agent to buy their home has steadily increased from 69% in 2001.

Bottom Line

If you are thinking of selling your home, don’t underestimate the role a real estate professional can play in the process.