What is a Garden Tub? The Basics

What is a Garden Tub

When you're surfing through 30A real estate listings, you'll see homes listed as having garden tubs. But what is a garden tub, and should you buy a home with one in it? Here's the scoop on these tremendous tubs. What is a Garden Tub? The Basics A garden tub - also commonly called a soaking tub - is reminiscent of bathtubs of yore (but with running water). These free-standing, oval tubs are larger, deeper and generally more comfortable than standard bathtubs are. They're considered luxury bathroom amenities, but they don't typically come with a luxury price tag. Standard Garden Tub … Continue reading...

Twin Homes vs. Duplexes: Key Differences You Need to Know

Twin Homes vs. Duplexes

When you're looking through 30A real estate listings, depending on your search parameters, you're going to encounter homes listed as duplexes and homes listed as twin homes. But the two are actually different - even though they look the same. Here's what you need to know. Twin Homes vs. Duplexes: Key Differences You Need to Know There are key differences between twin homes and duplexes. Most notably, the difference revolves around ownership. What Are Twin Homes? Twin homes share a center wall and look like one house divided in half - and the halves are typically pretty symmetrical. In … Continue reading...

What’s a Patio Home? Find Out Now!

What's a Patio Home

As you browse 30A real estate listings, you'll most likely see more than a few that say "patio home." But what is a patio home, and is its ownership any different than any other type of home? Here's what you need to know. What's a Patio Home? Surprisingly, when a home is called a patio home, the term doesn't have anything to do with its porch. Instead, a patio home is one that's attached to other, similar homes - a lot like a condo or townhome would be. They're architecturally similar to both of those types of homes... but patio homes are typically one or one-and-a-half stories high. … Continue reading...

What to Ask Before You Buy a “Fixer-Upper”

What to Ask Before You Buy a Fixer-Upper

If you're thinking about buying a home for sale in any of the communities along 30A, you may be considering a fixer-upper - a home that needs a little attention before you can live in it or rent it out to tenants. But before you dive into the idea head-first, here are three questions you need to ask before you buy a fixer-upper. What to Ask Before You Buy a Fixer-Upper Before you think about buying a home that needs work, ask yourself: Why am I thinking about doing this? Where will I live while I'm working on the house? Where will I get the cash for renovations? Here's a … Continue reading...

How Much Are Closing Costs?

How Much Are Closing Costs

When you take out a mortgage loan to buy a home on 30A, you're going to have to pay closing costs. You'll hear all about them from your real estate agent - but what are they, and how much are they going to run you? Here's what you need to know. How Much Are Closing Costs? Closing costs are the fees you'll have to pay when you close the deal on your new home. These fees are typically paid to third parties who help facilitate a home's sale, and they usually total somewhere between 1 and 3 percent of the home's purchase price. That's a big range. If you buy a home for $300,000, you're … Continue reading...

Should You Update Your Kitchen Backsplash to Sell Your Home?

Should You Update Your Kitchen Backsplash to Sell Your Home

If you're thinking about selling your home on 30A, you're probably running through a list of improvements you can tackle to make your home more appealing to prospective buyers (and if you're not, that's okay!). For some people, updating a kitchen backsplash can work wonders. But is it the right choice for your home? Here's what you need to know. Should You Update Your Kitchen Backsplash to Sell Your Home? Talk to your real estate agent before you make any big decisions (such as updating your kitchen backsplash). It might not be necessary - or worse, it could damage the resale value of … Continue reading...

Should You Give Your Front Door a Facelift to Sell Your Home?

Should You Paint Your Front Door to Sell Your Home

If you're like many people, you've heard that painting your front door will automatically improve your home's curb appeal and result in a faster - and more profitable - sale. But is it true? Here's what you need to know about repainting your front door to sell your home. Should You Give Your Front Door a Facelift to Sell Your Home? You can repaint your front door with a quart of primer, a quart of paint and some other supplies in just a weekend - but is it something you should really invest your time in if you're selling your house? Here's the deal: If you're staying in your home … Continue reading...

3 Things to Know When You Buy Homeowners Insurance

3 Things to Know When You Buy Homeowners Insurance

When you buy homeowners insurance - which will be a necessity if you take out a mortgage loan to buy a home - these are three things you need to know. 3 Things to Know When You Buy Homeowners Insurance Your lender will require you to buy homeowners insurance, but even if you pay cash for a home, your financial adviser might suggest that you get it. It's like car insurance - it provides you with financial protection in the event of a catastrophe, disaster or accident. Here's what you need to know: You'll need extra coverage if you have a pool. You may want coverage for things like … Continue reading...

How to Get the Best Deal on Homeowners Insurance on 30A

How to Get the Best Deal on Homeowners Insurance on 30A

When you buy a home on 30A - or anywhere else, for that matter - you're probably going to need homeowners insurance. Your lender will require it, but even if you buy a home with cash, your financial adviser will probably suggest that you buy coverage. But how can you save money on homeowners insurance? Here's what you need to know. How to Get the Best Deal on Homeowners Insurance on 30A Usually, homeowners insurance comes in one of three standardized packages - but most companies will let you customize them. The three main types are: Basic. This package offers protection against … Continue reading...

Let’s Talk About Homeowners Insurance

Let's Talk About Homeowners Insurance

If you buy a home along 30A, you're most likely going to need homeowners insurance - your lender will require it. Even if you pay cash, most financial advisers will tell you that homeowners insurance is a good idea. Here's what you need to know. Let's Talk About Homeowners Insurance Homeowners insurance covers you in the event that something happens to your home. Different policies have different coverage limits, just like car insurance, but most typically include some types of natural disasters, robberies and even accidents on your property. How Much Does Homeowners Insurance … Continue reading...