Many of our clients are happy holding down some VERY low mortgage rates they secured over the past few years.  So much so, that even when their current home no longer serves their needs, even if it makes them unhappy, they’re now torn because of the financial implications that may come along with a potential move or adjustment to that mortgage.  So, I ask, when should you sacrifice quality of life over potential costs, as well as short & long-term financial gains to live in a home you LOVE?  And, is it better to move or to makeover?  Also, when it comes to a remodel, is it better to refinance or is an equity line of credit better?     So many unanswered questions.  So many unknowns! Until now.  Having been your go-to guru for #AllThingsRealEstate over the past two decades, we here at YOUR Home Team pride ourselves on being educators above all else.  That’s the EXPERTISE we bring to each transaction, whether it’s your 1st home or your 50th.  Because at our family business, you’re not just business, you’re FAMILY!  And, whether you buy or sell in 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years…we’ll be here whenever you’re ready.  We are here to be your Real Estate resource for life.  So, real talk.  Do you actually need to move?  One of my favorite Real Estate Coaches, Tom Ferry, says people only move due to the “5 D’s” That’s Diamonds, Divorce, Diplomas, Diapers, & Death.  Here in Florida, especially, I’d say there’s a 6th “D” and that’s Downsizing.  If any of these Ds apply to you, then it’s time to not just speculate but really time to dig into the math to make you move.  For those of you that are getting married, getting divorced, have a new baby, lost a family member, graduated to the next level, or are even wanting to simplify & go smaller…for a FREE no obligation review of your equity position, contact #YourFavoriteLender Home Team Lending at 833.WE.LOAN.1 today.  Or, apply online at www.YourFloridaLoan.com. Click the cute guy named Manny, I heard he’s pretty good (*wink).  😊   But what if none of those 6 D’s apply to you? If you really don’t NEED to move but you feel like your current home just isn’t cutting it, what is your best bet?  Because when you weigh the pros and cons of moving vs a home makeover, it can be a real head scratcher whether rates are high, low, or anywhere in between.  Don’t fret.  There’s 4 basic steps to know what route to take: Step one: pinpoint what’s bugging you about your home.  An outdated kitchen or bathroom can go from basic to BEAUTIFUL with relatively minor renovations.  Plus, a kitchen or bath upgrade can not only increase your enjoyment of the home but is proven to be one of the highest returns on investment for your home’s value.  What if your current home lacks the one room you really need?  That can be a little more challenging, but, as I always say, “everything is figureoutable.”  From building an addition to reconfiguring the floor plan, or even building a full-on detached building, you have options when you own a home.   Be careful, though, because when it comes to building an accessory dwelling, you need to check with the zoning & permitting department where your home is located first.  Also! Not all remodeling choices impact the long-term value of your home in a positive way.  For example, garage conversions aren’t typically popular with buyers and can sometimes be harder to sell.  The specific impact of a renovation will depend on a number of factors, so if you have something specific in mind, before you move forward, we can help you assess how a planned project is likely to affect the value of your home. Reach out to #YourFavoriteRealtors the Home Team Agents of lpt Realty at 833.4YO.TEAM. Or, request your home valuation at www.YourHomeTeamGroup.com. If you don’t need to move but didn’t realize that living so close to the airport would be so noisy at night, or you don’t love the school district your home is in, or any other reason that location alone doesn’t work for you anymore, that’s a no-brainer: location is not something you can change, unless you change actual locations. Duh.  Now that we’ve realized the motivation to makeover or move, what’s the next step? Step two: answer these questions: How long have you been in your current home? How much did you put down on your home when you purchased? What’s your mortgage payoff? If you’ve lived in your home 3 years or longer here in Florida, more than likely, you have some serious equity in your home.  If it’s less than 3 years, depending on the amount of your down payment when you purchased you viably could have enough equity to make the move or even the “makeover” make sense.  Knowing this information is key for step three. Step three: reach out to me, Your Marketing Mama for #AllThingsRealEstate, or any one of the EXPERT AGENTS on my team.  We can provide a Comparative Market Analysis for your home to give you a range of value for your home.   I know what you’re thinking…you can look at a “Zestimate,” right?  NO!  Listen, I, like any other real estate professional, have a love/hate relationship with Zillow.  But, the fact remains, a computer algorithm will never be able to accurately provide value for your home.  Real estate is hyper-local, and a nationwide algorithm isn’t going to be hyper-sensitive to the features of your home to give you a realistic value.  Here’s the Zestimate for a home I sold a few months ago: $211,500.  We sold (and the home appraised) at $280,000!  That’s nearly $70 grand!  You could most certainly upgrade your kitchen with that kind of cheese.  The point is-when you need to know your home’s value, go to a professional expert. Period. This will provide you with an accurate equity position; which is your property’s value minus what you currently owe on your mortgage. And that’s where step four comes in. Step four: now that you have an idea of equity position, the next step is to understand the costs for each option. Here’s the straight facts from all components, as we have real estate sales, lending, and title all under one roof here at the Home Team Group.  No need to speculate when you have me, Your Marketing Mama for #AllThingsRealEstate because y’all, we don’t do this for practice as we’ve literally been in this business since Jesus was a baby (well, maybe not quite that long), but for our entire adult lives.  And, through these past 20 years we have expanded our business from real estate sales to also include a mortgage and a title division.  On average, it costs approximately 11.5% of the home’s final sale price to sell a house in Florida.  This includes preparation costs, Realtor® commissions, and approximate seller closing costs & title fees. Knowing your payoff will really help us drill down on your net proceeds.  And, those net proceeds coupled with the impact of homestead portability, and the very real possibility of negotiating seller concessions on your new purchase might just be the tipping point to pull the trigger and put your home on the market.  The costs of a renovation can vary widely, so it’s vital to get several estimates from contractors upfront to understand what it might take to achieve your dream home. You can cover the costs by accessing the equity you have in your home through a cash-out refinance or with a home equity line of credit (HELOC).  So, what’s the difference between the two?  A cash-out refinance provides you with a one-time lump sum of money; whereas a HELOC provides you with access to your funds over a span of time and you can use your money as needed over that period.  Since a cash-out refinance is considered a first mortgage, it comes with more attractive rates and less in-depth requirements for approval. HELOCs typically take the form of a second mortgage, so are considered riskier to the lender, which means they are also a little harder to qualify for than a cash-out refinance due to that risk.  You’ll typically need a higher credit score for a HELOC as well.  Cash-out refinances also come with fixed rates, but HELOCs have variable interest rates, which means you may pay more over the lifetime of the loan. When it comes to less upfront costs, a HELOC may be a better option because refinancing incurs closing costs, while HELOCs typically do not.  Remember, though, those closing costs can be paid with the equity you have in your home.  The bottom line: if your home has equity, you can leverage that equity to upgrade your home with a makeover or a move.  And the way to make the math work depends on so much more than a current market rate, because rates can be refinanced (with those costs covered by the equity in your home).  The cost of headache, hassle, and your actual time also plays a part.  There is no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re feeling trapped in a home that doesn’t work for your day-to-day life now, and you haven’t really discussed the math to make your next move, let’s talk.  Information is FREE and so powerful.  Let your home’s equity & my TEAM WORK for you!  Much Love,  Amanda The Home Team Group: Home Team Agents powered by LPT Realty, Home Team Title, & Home Team Lending powered by MortgageAdvisors.com – NMLS 70168 Branch NMLS 1937317- 112 W Indiana Ave Deland, FL - FHA Lender ID 2631500094

Believe it or not, those recent bank failures have brought mortgage rates down—and economists predict they could fall even further in the coming months. As expert real estate professionals, The Home Team Agents of lpt Realty are closely monitoring this situation and are here to help you navigate it 🫡 🏡 BUYERS: Be prepared to lock in a low rate when the time is right. Working with a knowledgeable agent is key. Here within the lending division of The Home Team Group (Home Team Lending), anyone of our Local Mortgage Experts can help you get pre-qualified for a home loan. Message me back here and I'll connect you, or you're also welcome to call them directly: 833.WE.LOAN.1. 🏡 SELLERS: A dip in mortgage rates could mean more buyers in the market. If you’ve been considering selling your home, now may be the perfect time. We can help you prep your home and get it listed quickly to take advantage of a possible increase in demand. Here within our title division of The Home Team Group (Home Team Title), our Vital Title Professionals work hand in hand with us to ensure there are NO SURPRISES when it comes to your home sale.   Message me back here for request title directly at www.YourHomeTeamTitle.com.  🏡 HOMEOWNERS: You could save a bundle by refinancing if rates fall significantly. Let our team, YOUR Home Team, show you how to leverage your equity! Don’t miss out on this potential window of opportunity! Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let my TEAM WORK for you!  Much Love,  Amanda aka The Marketing Mama 📲 855.4YO.TEAM 📧 www.YourHomeTeamGroup.com #mortgagerates #realestate #realestateagent #siliconvalleybankcollapse #bankingcrisis #homeequity #homevalue #investor #realestateinvestment #sellyourhome #floridarealestate #volusiacountyfl #seminolecountyflorida #lakecountyflorida #orangecountyflorida #floridarealtor #hometeamagents #lptrealty #hometeamlending #mortgageadvisors #hometeamtitle #YOURHomeTeam for #allthingsrealestate🏡

    Pricing your home to sell is part art form, part science, and definitely needs a skilled expert. You may have heard that there is not much housing inventory right now, which means that prices are high across the board. This is great news for you as a home seller! The timing is perfect for you to get a strong return on your investment in your home. With more houses coming to market every day and eager buyers searching for their dream home, pricing your home appropriately is one of the most important things you can do when selling.

  YEP! FLORIDA HOMES ARE MAINTAINING THEIR VALUE. I was floored with the recent statistic that 2 out of 3 Florida Homeowners have over 50% equity in their home. WOW! Let's talk about how we can leverage your equity position. Turns out, living in Florida is #paradise in more ways than one! 

  No need to be nervous when it comes to making an offer...  

Is it just me or does it feel like every year the holidays sneak up on us?  We'll, there’s no need to succumb to the dreaded last-minute gift panic. We’ve lined up a list of unique gifts for every “type” on your list. And since here at The Home Team Group work in real estate, they’re all centered around home life. Check out these fun gift ideas for everyone on your list, from the coffee snob to the sports enthusiast and beyond! FOR THOSE WHO ARE ALWAYS IN THE KITCHEN These gift ideas will be a treat for the chef, baker, or food lover on your list: 1. The Coffee Snob Glass Pour-Over Coffeemaker - $36 Have a java lover on your list who just can’t get their brew right at home? This high-end pour-over system makes a smooth brew that can even be refrigerated and reheated so your recipient can enjoy a perfect cup at any time. 2. The Foodie Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit - $30 I shiitake you not!  This cool kit allows them to grow delicious mushrooms right in their cupboard. All they’ll need to do is soak the wood and put it in a cool place, then wait a few weeks, and voila—mushrooms! Best of all, they can keep growing mushrooms on the same log for years. 3. The Baker Vintage Etched Cake Stand - $60 If you’re lucky enough to have a fabulous home baker on your list, give a gift that reflects the joy their treats bring to others. This lovely glass cake stand is the platform that a beautifully decorated dessert deserves. 4. The Tea Aficionado Flowering Tea Set - $25 Your favorite tea lover may have tried all of the herbal blends out there, but we bet they haven’t seen tea like this. This set contains two “blossoms” of tea leaves hand-sewn around flowers that bloom when you place them in the included glass teapot and add hot water.    FOR THOSE WHO WOULD RATHER BE IN THE BACKYARD For many of us, time outdoors is the ultimate source of rejuvenation. The nature-lover on your list is sure to appreciate these presents that help them maximize that joy in their daily lives. 5. The Gardener Striped Garden Tote Bag - $37 Dedicated gardeners all need a great bag to carry their gear. This tote is attractive and sturdy and will help them keep their home’s exterior beautiful and welcoming. 6. The Flower Lover Monthly Flower Subscription - starting at $40/month If your loved one prefers to enjoy their flora without all the work, a delivery of farm-fresh flowers is sure to surprise and delight. And you can keep the joy blossoming year-round with a monthly or bi-monthly subscription. 7. The Poolside Sipper Yeti Tumbler- $25 The festivities can ensue outside with these shatterproof, dishwasher safe, and double-wall insulated tumblers from Yeti.  With over 15 colors to choose from, this is definitely a sure-fire crowd pleaser. 8. The Outdoor Adventurer Solar Phone Charger - $29 Have a camper or adventurer on your list? This solar-powered phone charger, which comes with a built-in flashlight and compass, is a must-have. It will also make a great addition to their home emergency kit. FOR THOSE WITH THEIR NOSE TO GRINDSTONE Like it or not, most of us spend a good chunk of our lives working—whether at a job or on projects and chores around the house. These gifts are designed to make that work a bit easier and more enjoyable. 9. The Remote Worker Home Office Lap Desk - $35 Working at home can be great—in part because you can work from anywhere in the house. The remote worker on your list will appreciate this lap desk with a built-in mouse pad and phone slot, which will allow them to work comfortably from the couch or the bed without overheating their computer. 10. The Back-to-The-Office Worker Bento Lunch Box - $27 If your loved one is heading back to the office, it doesn’t mean they have to give up the healthy habit of a home-cooked meal. Send them to work with this stylish lunch box packed full of nutritious food. 11. The Do-It-Yourselfer 65ft Laser Distance Measure - $50 The handy person on your list can say goodbye to unwieldy tape measures with this nifty device. It’s perfect for DIY projects up to 65 feet. 12. The Clean Freak Portable Sanitizing Travel Wand - $60 One could say that in the COVID-19 era, we’ve all become a little germaphobic. This UV wand kills viruses and bacteria in seconds without any wiping or washing required. It’s perfect for disinfecting shoes, computer keyboards, and more! FOR THOSE MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR HOBBIES Of course, there’s a lot more to life than work. If you’re gifting a friend or family member who really lights up when they talk about their hobbies, we’ve got you covered. 13. The Sports Enthusiast Hockey Stick BBQ Set - $45 Looking for a gift for the sports enthusiast in your life that isn’t another jersey? These BBQ tools made from repurposed hockey sticks are a great pick. Perfect for cooking up food to watch with the game! 14. The Bookworm The Book Lover’s Journal - $13 Know someone who loves to curl up on the couch with a good book? This journal will help the book-lover on your list keep track of what they’ve read, as well as their ever-growing “to-read” list. 15. The Runner Marathon Map Hydration Bottles - $36 Help the runner you love to stay hydrated (and motivated) with a water bottle inscribed with their favorite race route. It’s perfect for runs around the neighborhood or just toting around the house. 16. The Tourist Travel Backpack - $100 Make it easy for the travel lover on your list to bring back souvenirs. This lightweight backpack folds flat so it’s easy to pack but sturdy enough to carry their new treasures all the way home.   FOR THOSE WHO PUT FAMILY FIRST For many of us, the greatest joy in life comes from our relationship with our family. Help your recipient strengthen and celebrate those all-important connections with these thoughtful gifts. 17. The New Parent 4-in-1 Baby Food Maker - $155 It’s hard to know what to buy for new parents once their registry is cleared out, but if they’re interested in making baby food at home, this tool is a must-have. It makes the process, from steaming to mixing, fast and easy. 18. The Genealogy Fan DNA Kit - $99 Know someone interested in reconnecting with their ancestral home? This DNA kit can help them trace their geographical heritage and uncover their family history. 19. The Pet Person Custom Printed Socks - $25 Is your friend’s pet their favorite family member? These adorable socks are sure to put a smile on their face as they cozy up on the couch with their fur baby. And since you can feature up to four pets on each pair of socks, no one needs to feel left out. 20. The Documentarian Mini Link Printer - $100 We all have that relative who snaps a million photos at every family event. Help them capture each precious moment with this unique gadget that essentially transforms a smartphone into a Polaroid camera. It makes it easy to customize and print out snapshots to display around the house or insert into a scrapbook for posterity.   READY TO GIVE YOURSELF THE ULTIMATE GIFT? We take pride in being your go-to gurus for #AllThingsRealEstate and want to be your real estate advisors through every season of life. Whether it takes 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years-if your goal is to buy, sell, or even refinance a home…our goal is to get you there!  We welcome you to always reach out with questions or to ask for recommendations or referrals any time of year. And when you’re ready to give yourself the gift of a new home, simply text or #CallYourMama and my team and I would be honored to talk with you about options. From finding the right neighborhood to identifying the solutions that will make the biggest difference in your quality of life, you can always count on YOUR Home Team. Merry EVERYTHING,  Amanda aka The Marketing Mama

Tis the season for....inflation? Ok, that's a bit tongue in cheek, but the great news is: you don't have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of opportunities to eke out extra savings. And, don't worry about keeping up with the Joneses...according to multiple surveys, inflation is not only chilling people's spending, it's also prompting shoppers to search for better deals and creative ways to reduce their bills.1  So, you won't be the only one bargain-hunting your way to a more financially-stable New Year! Here are some strategies you can use to boost your holiday budget by trimming household expenses: 1. Hunt for Deals on Groceries With the U.S. food-at-home index (a measure of grocery price inflation) at a 43-year high, many families are struggling to control costs on food staples, such as meat, dairy, produce, and grains.2   That could make pulling off holiday gatherings especially stressful. But don't despair: simple swaps and searching for discounts are a great way to bridge the gap.  The key is to pay attention to the cost of each item on your shopping list—not just the most expensive—and look for easy swaps and discounts. For example, you can snap digital deals by utilizing coupons on your smart phone or even try buying non-perishable items in bulk, especially when they’re on sale, and only in-season produce. Or trade name-brand goods for less expensive options from a store's private label. My kids love doing "taste challenges" with food brands.  And, honestly, it can be pretty fun!   2. Prep Your Home for Holiday Guests With Pre-Owned Finds You don't have to sacrifice style for the sake of preserving your holiday budget either. If you're expecting company this year and would like to add some festive flair to your home, you can do so inexpensively—especially if you're willing to decorate with items that are secondhand. Thrifting is back in vogue, with an increasing number of shoppers preferring pre-owned furniture and home goods. And thanks to a pandemic-era boom in online shopping, it is easier than ever to find deals on new and pre-owned furniture, thrifted gifts, DIY decor, and more. Even secondhand stores like Goodwill have joined the digital fray, making it a cinch to score gently-used treasures at extra-low prices.3 A recent study found that the “recommerce” market grew almost 15% last year, which was twice the pace of general retail.4 Plus, buying used isn’t just a great way to save money, it also helps the environment by keeping reusable items out of landfills. Don't stress yourself out, though, if you don't have the time or money to dress your home the way you hoped. “A house doesn’t have to be perfect or completely done for it to feel festive or inviting,” designer Justina Blakeney noted in an interview with the Washington Post. “These are family and friends, and they are not judging you.”5 3. Forgo Major Renovations in Favor of DIY Home Improvements Holidays are always a tricky time to undergo big renovations. But with ongoing worker and material shortages, now is an especially bad time to commit. Inflated costs can add thousands to your reno budget –—and unnecessary stress to your holiday. Instead of suffering through an ill-timed remodel, you're better off saving this time of year for simpler, less expensive projects you can do yourself. One winter-perfect upgrade to consider: Build a DIY fire pit so that you and your guests can roast marshmallows and relax in the cozy comfort of your backyard. You can also add some extra ambiance by hanging energy-efficient LED outdoor string lights that change from white to colorful. These are festive enough for the holidays, but also versatile enough to use year-round. 4. Invest in Home Maintenance Projects That Cut Your Utility Bills You can save money by completing basic home maintenance tasks , such as swapping your AC filter and updating your lightbulbs to LEDs. But if you really want to lower your bills this winter, consider projects that make your home more energy efficient, which will open up some of your budget for the holidays.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can save a couple of hundred dollars a year just by sealing your home and boosting its insulation.6  According to the EPA, 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated, which wastes energy and money.7 Luckily, there are plenty of DIY insulation projects that you can complete in just a few days. For example, the EPA offers guides on how to: Insulate your attic or crawl spaces Weatherstrip doors and windows Seal areas around the house that may be leaking air, including electrical outlets and fireplaces The savings you get from these projects can really add up. The EPA estimates that sealing and insulating your ducts can make your HVAC system up to 20% more efficient.8 And thanks to new provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act, you can also save a bundle this year by investing in certain energy-efficient upgrades and claiming a tax credit.9 Be sure to check with us about any local rebates and incentives that may be available, too, before getting started on a project. We know lots of great deals! 5. Use Expense Tracking to Boost Your Holiday Budget To avoid overextending yourself during the holidays, one of the best things you can do is track your income and expenses. If your monthly budget is usually tight, you may need to make some adjustments to free up cash for holiday expenditures. For example, below is a sample budget worksheet. Start by adding in your expenses: Under the “Typical” column, you can list your standard expenses, and under the “Adjusted” column, list any areas where you could cut back on spending. Then consider how your standard wages may be adjusted this month by extra shifts, additional tips, or an end-of-year bonus. By decreasing your spending and/or increasing your income, you can build room in your budget for holiday gifts and gatherings. Feel free to utilize this worksheet as a template that you can personalize to your needs, or ask us for a PDF copy that you can print out and use right away. WE’RE HERE TO HELP We would love to help you meet your financial goals now and in the year ahead. Whether you want to find lower-cost alternatives for home renovations, maintenance, or services, we are happy to provide our insights and referrals. And if you’re saving up to buy a new home, of course YOUR Home Team would LOVE to help with that, too. This is the perfect time to score a great deal because only the most motivated homebuyers and sellers are active in the market right now. So reach out to schedule a free consultation. We can fill you in on some of the exciting programs and incentives we’re seeing that help make homeownership more affordable.  Much love,  Amanda AKA The Marketing Mama   The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: Retail Dive - https://www.retaildive.com/news/inflation-drives-shopping-changes-consumers-survey/629973/ NBC News - https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-save-groceries-ncna1299053 USA Today - https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/retail/2022/10/05/goodwill-launches-online-store-goodwillfinds-website/8185084001/ CNBC - ​​https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/14/secondhand-shopping-is-booming-heres-how-much-you-can-save.html Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2021/11/09/holiday-entertaining-tips/ S. Environmental Protection Agency - https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/why_seal_and_insulate S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/waysToSave#!card0-GW91 Energy Star -https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/waysToSave The White House - https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/?utm_source=cleanenergy.gov