There are a lot of things buyers and sellers misunderstand about the real estate industry, and so today we’ll be listing (and debunking) five of the most common myths that are out there.

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There are a lot of misconceptions out there about the real estate industry. And without an accurate understanding of how things actually work, buyers and sellers may have a harder time reaching their goals. With that in mind, we’d like to share (and debunk) five of the most common real estate myths for you today:

1. “Homes ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ inspections.” This myth is mostly a matter of wording. While a home may receive inspection results that are mostly positive or mostly negative, no “pass or fail” system is in place. Instead, home inspections are merely designed to identify problems and assess a property’s overall condition. The buyer, not the results of the inspection themselves, will determine whether the deal moves forward.

2. “It isn’t necessary to prepare a home before you list it.” While there is such a thing as over-preparing a listing, doing nothing at all to get your listing ready for the market is a major faux pas. You need to, at the very least, clean and declutter your property so that it gives buyers a clear, neutral impression. Buyers must be able to visualize your house as their future home.

 3. “Buyers must save at least 20% for their down payment.” This is not the case. There are many financing options that require far less than this.

“Buyers must be able to visualize your house as their future home.”

4. “You should find a home before getting pre-approved.” Even serious buyers sometimes make this mistake. In actuality, getting pre-approved before you even begin your search is ideal. Seemingly minor changes to your financial standing can have a significant impact on your ability to afford a home, so speaking with a lender prior to your house-hunting process is critical.

5. “Home improvements always pay for themselves.” While making certain upgrades and repairs prior to selling will help make your deal move more smoothly, and potentially add some value to your home, not all improvement projects will bring a high return—or any return at all. Having an expert by your side to help guide you through the process will protect you from spending unnecessary funds on a project that won’t pay off.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

There are plenty of places around the United States to call home, but when it comes to real estate investments, that’s a whole different game. While you can feel out an area using your gut, the key to investment success is to really dig into the facts and consider these five reasons why you should invest in Brevard County, FL real estate.

1. Excellent location
   Just outside of Orlando, but plenty out of the way of all the hustle and bustle, Brevard County is conveniently located along Florida’s central east coast. The perfect mix of coastal living and a strong community, Brevard is made up of 11 smaller cities including Melbourne, Satellite Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Cape Canaveral.
2. Booming economy
   Economic growth is one of the best indicators for future property values and community amenities. Luckily, Brevard County is growing in every area. 2018 gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to exceed the U.S. average by .7% as well as an additional .6% in 2019!

   Another area of growth is the population. Florida is a popular place to live for families to settle down, singles to mingle, and retirees to relax. 2023 projections put the population of Florida at an astounding 23.3 million citizens.

3. Plenty of jobs
   On top of the impressive population and GDP growth, jobs are consistently strong in Florida, frequently exceeding the national average. Experts are anticipating .8% growth in 2018 and another incredible 3% in 2019! Increased jobs in the area mean booming employer growth, which translates to rising property values and infrastructure improvements.
4. Flourishing tourism
   Being within a close distance to Walt Disney World, Brevard County can bank on consistent tourism. Within the county, you can also count on the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for floods of area visitors. Constant tourism means a consistent stream of income for the many local boutiques, shops, and restaurants.
5. Rental properties in demand
   Between all the growth, flourishing communities, and impeccable location, Brevard County rental properties are in high demand which is perfect for investors who plan to rent out their single-family or multi-family home.

   In recent months, the median home and townhouse values rose by 8.2% and 7% respectively. Plus, the median property value is at a perfectly reasonable $237,062 which really sits in the monthly payment sweet spot.

   In this current market, Brevard County is a great place to call home and an even better area to invest in. Don’t hesitate or wait to invest before the opportunity passes you by. If you are now decided to invest in a Brevard County real estate, the next question should be How much you’ll need to fund it.

Looking for Brevard County, FL real estate? Give the Garrett Bell Team a call at (321) 323-7220 or email us at [mail_to email=”[email protected]”][email protected][/mail_to] and we’ll help you find your dream home. We are your trusted guide to Brevard County Real Estate, coming from generations of Realtors who have served the county well.

There are many things to consider when buying a home, but one thing that many people forget is to do their research on the local matters in that area. Before committing to a new home, take the time to do the research and go over the five things to consider when buying a house in Brevard County, FL.

Research local market conditions

It’s always a good idea to take a look at the local housing market prior to beginning your search for a home because it will get you a head start of knowing where to set your budget. Our team is constantly keeping up with current market trends so that we can help you make the most informed decision possible.

Quote homeowner’s insurance fees

Once you’ve narrowed down the house hunt and found a few homes that fit the bill, run the addresses by a licensed homeowners insurance agent. There are a lot of contributing factors to how Florida home insurance fees are calculated due to the often-volatile environment, even within the same block.

Once you’ve gotten the quotes, remember to add your homeowner’s insurance fees to your monthly housing budget considerations. Knowing what sort of coverage your prospective home will require ahead of time will help you determine the mortgage size for your budget.

Get a home inspection from the best

Home inspectors are some of the most detail-oriented, safety-conscious people on the planet. This is why home inspectors are extremely important and can become one of your best friends in the home buying process, particularly in the negotiation portion.

Home inspectors perform a detailed survey of the home that fully investigates the ins and outs of the entire property. They’ll check the condition of everything ranging from the home’s foundation to any broken light bulbs.

From there, you and your real estate agent can negotiate requirements to have the items fixed or the amount of the expected costs reduced from the sales price. Plus, you’ll be able to rest assured that your new home is in tip-top shape.

Request closing costs and real estate fee estimates

The Garrett Bell Team will provide you with real estate closing costs and fee estimates (called a ‘Settlement Statement’) as a required portion of the approval process. This document will give you a very close estimate to every single fee related to the closing of your new home as well as a detailed breakdown of what your monthly mortgage and related fees will cost you.

You’re also allowed to request an earlier estimate called a ‘Good Faith Estimate’.Both of these documents ensure you know exactly what you’re committing to when you ultimately sign the on the dotted line.

Find a Florida real estate agent that you can trust

Choosing The Garrett Bell Team to represent you in Brevard County Real Estate guarantees you will be represented by a team of real estate experts who each specializes in a specific part of the transaction. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before selecting a real estate professional to represent you:

• Does this real estate agent have a history of good business practices and experience in the Brevard County area?
• Does this real estate agent have a team of support to help you with what you need and when you need them?
• Can the real estate agent back up their credentials with recent testimonials?

Looking for Brevard County, FL real estate? Give The Garrett Bell Team a call at (321) 323-7220 or email us at [mail_to email=”[email protected]”][email protected][/mail_to] and we’ll help you find your dream home. We are your trusted guide to Brevard County Real Estate, coming from generations of Realtors who have served the county well.

Melbourne, Florida is made up of many beautiful communities and landscapes, so there are tons to do around town. This combination is what makes Melbourne a fantastic place to live. If you are already a Melbourne resident, planning a staycation is a great way to get out and explore!

If you’re new to the area and considering making Melbourne your new home, check out the six best attractions in Melbourne, Florida for a family vacation.

1. Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area
   Visit one of the most recreationally active parks in the area; it’s complete with something for everybody, every season of the year. In the summer months, enjoy the water with fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and boating. In the winter, enjoy kicking back around a warm campfire or hiking the beginner-level Hammock Trail.
2. Brevard Zoo
   Brevard Zoo is more than any Zoo you’ve ever been to. In addition to all the usual suspects, such as monkeys, giraffes, and kangaroos, there are many adventures to embark on as well! Take a kayak tour down a calm river to not only see giraffes up close, but see them in an open environment too. Then explore and swing from the Florida canopies at the aerial Treetop Trek!
3. Main Street Melbourne
   Check out the streets of downtown Melbourne and pop into locally-owned antique stores, boutiques, and restaurants with unique flare and charm. Located on New Haven street, there is so much to see and plenty of activities for people of all ages.
4. Andretti Thrill Park
   Embrace your inner child, entertain your kids, or do both at this fun game and thrill park! With multiple go-kart tracks, you’ll be zipping around the park at exhilarating speeds. Whether you’re out with the kids or on a date, you won’t want to miss the massive arcade, laser tag, batting cages, and mini-bowling too!
5. Sea Turtle Preservation Society of Melbourne Beach
   Explore ancient wildlife in a protected environment to see our flippered friends and learn everything we know so far about sea turtles. Although the sea turtles only visit our local beaches during June and July to nest, there is still plenty to do and see, including see rescued sea turtles that would no longer be safe in the wild. Tours are also available including a night-time beach-walking tour or take part in vital beach clean-up efforts.
6. Cracker Creek
   Here at this boat cruise park, you can take a wild adventure through the natural rivers and admire the Florida animal wildlife. This cruise is also rumored to have been the inspiration for the Jungle Cruise adventure at Walt Disney Parks! Hop on board and take the adventure!

Want to roam around Brevard County without breaking the bank? Check out our in-depth blog on Things to do on a budget in Brevard County, FL or Visit Free Art Galleries in Melbourne.

Looking for Melbourne, FL real estate? Give the Garrett Bell Team a call at (321) 323-7220 or email us at [mail_to email=”[email protected]”][email protected][/mail_to] and we’ll help you find your dream home. We are your trusted guide to Brevard County Real Estate, coming from generations of Realtors who have served the county well.

If not done right, decorating a condominium can make the space feel cramped and cluttered. So it’s important to choose the kind of furniture, fixtures, and décor that will make your condo feel like a place you can stretch out in.

Here are a few affordable ideas:

• •Create more space

  Since space is one of the biggest challenges of living in a condo, it’s important to be creative and to look for ways to utilize each square foot. To maximize the space in your condo, you can rearrange the furniture in your living room to achieve the flow of an open space. Conversely, you can use freestanding shelves or consoles as dividers to distinguish one area of your condo from another.

  You can also create space by getting rid of clutter and paring down your possessions.

• • Introduce another color

  If you’re tired of neutral, add a pop of your favorite color. Should condo rules prohibit you from painting your walls, introduce color in your home décor and accessories. Colorful pillows, rugs, and accent furniture will do the trick. It’s a fun way to experiment with colors and liven up your condo in no time!

• • Add mirrors

  This is a time-honored way to make a room appear larger than it really is. Use multiple mirrors and position them strategically to create depth. An overhead light fixture with mirror accents can catch both artificial and natural light and bounce them back to the darker areas of the room to make them look larger. Mirrors can also be used as a backsplash. Or, you can simply hang a mirror across a window in your condo’s living room or dining room.

• • Hang art or photographs

  Framed art or photographs personalize your home and add character. If you don’t have original art, simply print out your favorite photographs and mount them on different frames. You can also create a collage or make your own art.

• • Use removable wallpaper

  If your contract doesn’t allow you to paint the walls of your condo, resort to removable paper. They’re easy to apply and remove. Choose from a variety of styles and patterns, from sophisticated florals to playful patterns.

• • Get a plant

  Plants can add a soothing touch of green to your space – especially if your condo happens to be in the heart of an urban area. Visit a home supplies store or your local farmers market to pick up a plant that you can take as much or as little care of, depending on your lifestyle. You can even start a small garden on your windowsill or keep a vase of fresh flowers on a countertop or table. Or opt for accents with plant patterns if you don’t have time to care for the real thing.

• • Brighten it up with accessories

  Bring your condo to life by decorating it with well-chosen accessories. You can have statement pieces such as ottomans, floor lamps, and other unique pieces to complement the theme and style of your condo.

Looking for a condo to call your own in Brevard County, FL? I’m Garrett Bell and I’ll be happy to help. Call [ai_phone href=”1.321.537.6697″](321) 537-6697[/ai_phone] or email [email protected] today.