Frequently Asked Questions
We get asked ALL kinds of questions, but here are a few that we hear frequently.
In our experience, if a home is in good condition, and priced appropriately, it will sell quickly. This concept applies to both sales and rentals. The best way to gauge this is for us to view the property, and give you an up to date analysis of what the current market conditions are.
There are numerous factors that go into this answer. Let us connect you with reliable lenders that can look at your scenario. For example, many of our customers are unaware if they have another home elsewhere, with a VA loan attached to it, there are loans mimicking the ‘No Money Down’ version of the VA loan, which may allow them to buy another home.
Check out our Affordability Calculator.
The decision to rent or sell is one only an owner can make. There are many factors that go into the decision. If you will send a request to [email protected], we will provide you with a current market analysis (CMA) to help you make the best decision for you. We recognize that many sites will give you a price that often times does not reflect what the actual market is doing, so we encourage you to have the facts.
The decision to rent or buy is one only you can make. The market is constantly changing. Currently, it is less out of pocket monthly to buy the same property as opposed to renting it. That being said, it still depends on the individual’s scenario, so let our real estate professionals help you. You can call any time or send an email to [email protected] and we will be in touch.
A REALTOR® is someone who represents the buyer or the seller (sometimes both) in a real estate transaction. REALTORS® have a fiduciary duty to ensure their client is protected and help bridge communication between a buyer and a seller.
REALTORS® help buyers and/or sellers with the following:
- Negotiate contracts.
- Oversee the inspection process.
- Ensure home is being appraised and has met value.
- Work with a lender to ensure the buyer is qualified and approved for a loan.
The goal of a realtor is to ensure their client is happy and feels taken care of at the closing table.
Traditionally, the seller pays all the real estate agent fees. However, sometimes in a sellers market, a buyer may offer to pay some of the commissions to make their offer more appealing to a seller.
REALTOR® commissions vary but they are typically 3% of the selling price to each side of the transaction, meaning to both the buyer's realtor and the seller's realtor. In a sellers market, you might see commissions that are slightly lower at 2.5%.
Sometimes, realtors offer cash back incentives where they offer a portion of their commissions back to the client. At Hover Girl Properties, we give a portion of our commission to those who serve the community. Additionally, currently in Florida, there is a Hometown Heroes program that helps with closing costs for frontline workers such as police, firefighters, teachers, and active military.
When you’re trying to sell your house, the first thing you should do is have a REALTOR® come out and walk your property. We recommend you do this walkthrough three months before you’re ready to list your home for sale.
A good REALTOR® will walk the interior and exterior of your home and give advice on changes that should be made to improve the sellability of your home. He/she can give advice on how to declutter, stage a room, and make sure things flow nicely.
Sellability increases when homes have “curb appeal.” Cleanliness on the inside and outside is important. Neutral paint, clean flooring, and new carpet can go a long way in helping your home to sell.
When looking to buy a house, the first thing you should do is Interview 2-3 real estate agents. Finding the right REALTOR® is critical. Look for someone with experience and a good reputation. Don’t be afraid to ask them what their volume is - are they part time or do they do real estate full time? You want someone who knows what they’re doing as well as knows the market.
Simultaneously, ask the real estate agents you interview to connect you with a couple of lenders to interview. With lenders, you want to discuss interest rates and get a sense for how available they will be in terms of communication. Can you text them? Do they communicate on the weekends? Things can move quickly when making offers and you want a lender that is easy to get a hold of.
Jacksonville is an exceptional place for real estate, especially if you’re in the military. If you buy a property and then have to move in a couple years, you can keep the home and rent it out to get some profit and tax benefits. The rental market in Jacksonville has grown substantially, with rental rates increasing 20-35% in the last 24 months.
Jacksonville is one of the fastest growing communities. Businesses have been and are continuing to leave the bigger cities and open offices here. We have great schools, the beach, a professional football team, and are only two hours from Orlando, which is a popular family vacation spot. We also have three military bases so a large military community.