NW FL Real Estate Blog | 30A Realty News

3 Things to Consider When You’re Updating Your Backyard Design

You may be rethinking how you currently use the backyard of your home. Take a critical look at your yard. Are you making the best use of space? Do you have the features you want? Which aspects of your property can you play up, and which less desirable ones can you play down? As you map out a new design give the following questions some thought. What Are the Plusses and Minuses of Your Backyard? Every yard has its strengths and weaknesses. Does your backyard offer little privacy between you and the neighbors? Perhaps a privacy fence, or privacy trees are in order. Does your property back up … Continue reading...

5 Features for a Family-Friendly Backyard

Lure the kids from their bedrooms for some fun and quality family time with these backyard design ideas. Outdoor Movie Magic Every night can be movie night when you have an outdoor projector screen. Grab some popcorn and drinks and take a front-row seat to your favorite comedy, thriller, or tear-jerker. There is one caveat, though: your neighbors may want to join in on the party—just resist the temptation to charge admission. Or not. Terrific Treehouse You’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who wouldn’t love a treehouse. These mini houses on high allow your kids to get away from home and … Continue reading...

4 Grilling Safety Tips to Remember This Fourth of July

This Independence Day you’re probably eager to fire-up the grill and cook all of your family’s favorites. On the menu: burgers, hotdogs, barbecue chicken—drenched in your special homemade secret sauce, grilled steak, shrimp, and corn-on-the-cob. You’ve remembered everything for the big day, but before you get the party started remember these grilling safety tips—not just for the Fourth of July, but for every use of your grill. Distance the Grill According to the National Fire Protection Association, grills are the source of over 10,000 home fires each year. When in use keep your … Continue reading...

Constant Puddles in Your Yard? Consider These 5 Plants for a Rain Garden

If puddles and soggy areas consistently linger in your yard after a heavy rain you may have a drainage issue, which can destroy your lawn. A great way to handle a soupy yard and beautify your landscape at the same time is to plant a rain garden. Rain gardens can suck up large amounts of water and help alleviate issues like standing water and soggy patches in your yard. Many native plants flourish in these conditions and oftentimes they create habitats for frogs, birds, insects, and various species of wildlife. For plants that offer vivid color, and considerable height and width, consider … Continue reading...

5 Questions to Ask Potential Mortgage Lenders Before You Agree to a Loan

5 Questions to Ask Potential Mortgage Lenders Before Agree to a Loan

Just like everything else in life, it pays to shop around when it comes to mortgage lenders. But how do you know you're choosing one that's really right for your needs? You start by asking questions. In fact, check out this list of five questions to ask potential mortgage lenders before you agree to a loan. 5 Questions to Ask Potential Mortgage Lenders Before Agree to a Loan When you're working on your "short list" of potential lenders, call each of them and speak to a representative. Ask: How do you communicate with your clients? How long will it take to get preapproved, the … Continue reading...

What Do You Need to Get Preapproved for a Mortgage Loan?

If you're like most people buying a home on 30A, you'll need a mortgage to finance your purchase. That means you'll want to get preapproval before you start house-hunting so you know how much you can afford - and so that when you find your dream house, you can pounce on it and make an offer quickly. But what do you need to get preapproved for a mortgage? Here's what you need to know. What Do You Need to Get Preapproved for a Mortgage Loan? Before you can get mortgage preapproval, you'll need to pull together all kinds of documents. That way, you have everything ready when you fill out and … Continue reading...

Types of Mortgage Lenders

When you're buying a home for sale on 30A, you'll most likely need to work with a mortgage lender - but how do you figure out which one is best for your needs? You start by understanding the various types of lenders. Types of Mortgage Lenders These are the five main types of mortgage lenders: Credit unions Mortgage bankers Correspondent lenders Savings and loans Mutual savings banks Here's a closer look at each. #1. Credit unions Credit unions are member-owned banks that often offer the best rates to their shareholders. (Each member is a shareholder.) They used to be … Continue reading...

3 Things to Do Before You Start House-Hunting on 30A

Whether you're buying your first home or your tenth, there are three things you should do before you even start your house-hunt. 3 Things to Do Before You Start House-Hunting on 30A If you're like most people, you can't just walk into a house for sale, say, "I'll take it!" and start counting out the cash to buy it. You need to do these three things before you start house-hunting on 30A: Check your credit score Do a little housecleaning on your accounts Find out how much home you can afford Here's a closer look at each. #1. Check Your Credit Score You should absolutely check … Continue reading...

3 Signs the Person You Bought Your Home From Cut Corners

Buying a home that's listed as "fully renovated" is tempting - you know everything's going to be new and that the home is move-in ready. But how would you know if the person you were buying from actually cut corners during the renovation? If something went wrong while the seller was fixing up the home, it could come back on you later - so check out these three signs that the seller cut corners (and that the home could end up costing you more down the road). 3 Signs a Seller Cut Corners While Remodeling When you're touring a home that's been recently remodeled, there's a good chance it was … Continue reading...

Tips for Designing Your Home Office (Part 2 of 2)

If you find yourself working from home more often than traveling to the office, or if you’ve decided to start a home-based business, you’ll need a defined home office space that’s tailored to meet your needs. As you design your office consider these tips. A Room With a View When you have a free moment between tasks you want to gaze at something other than a wall. So situate your desk to face a window so that you can enjoy some natural light and maybe even a scenic view. If your space doesn’t have windows hang a picture for your viewing pleasure—perhaps one with an outdoor scene. Or you can … Continue reading...