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Beginner Tips | Living the Florida Lifestyle Blog

Sunday, August 10, 2025   /   by Kelly Bruno

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying or Selling a Home

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying or Selling a Home
 
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it’s easy to stumble into pitfalls that can cost you time, money, or peace of mind. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned seller, avoiding these common mistakes can make the process smoother and more successful. Here’s a rundown of key missteps to steer clear of, with practical tips to keep you on track.
 
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home
1. Skipping Pre-Approval for a Mortgage
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is house hunting without knowing their budget. Without a mortgage pre-approval, you risk falling in love with a home you can’t afford or losing a competitive bid because you’re not ready to act.
Tip: Get pre-approved by a lender before shopping. This shows sellers you’re serious and helps you narrow your search to homes within your financial rea; ...

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Wednesday, January 29, 2025   /   by Ana Baldner

The Real Estate Market: A Balancing Act

The real estate market is like a pendulum, constantly shifting between favoring sellers or buyers based on factors like interest rates, inventory levels, and economic conditions. For every advantage one side enjoys, the other faces a corresponding challenge. Whether you’re selling, buying, or doing both, understanding the dynamics of the market can help you navigate it effectively. Ultimately, the best time to make a move is when it aligns with your family’s needs and goals.

When the Market Favors Sellers
A “seller’s market” occurs when the demand for homes exceeds the supply. This imbalance often creates ideal conditions for sellers, but it’s not without its challenges.
Pros for Sellers

Higher Home Prices: In a seller’s market, buyers often compete for the limited inventory, driving up home prices. Sellers may receive multiple offers, sometimes well above the asking price, giving them the upper hand in negotiations. This can be particu. ...

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Friday, March 10, 2023   /   by Ana Baldner

A Guide To Home Appraisals

If you are buying or selling a home, chances are you will come across the term "home appraisal" at some point in the process. A home appraisal is a critical step in the real estate transaction process, as it can have a significant impact on the sale price of a property. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at home appraisals, what they are, and how they work.

What is a Home Appraisal?
A home appraisal is an unbiased estimate of the value of a property. The purpose of a home appraisal is to determine the fair market value of the property, which is the price that a willing buyer would pay and a willing seller would accept in an open market. Home appraisals are typically conducted by licensed and certified appraisers who have extensive knowledge of real estate and local market conditions.

How Does a Home Appraisal Work?
A home appraisal typically involves an inspection of the property, an analysis of comparable properties in the area, and an evaluation of market conditions. The. ...

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Thursday, October 13, 2022   /   by Ana Baldner

Fall Family Photos

Fall is a fantastic time to take family photos outdoors. The weather is cooler, the holidays are approaching and Autumn-colored neutrals are easy to coordinate! 

If you want to take advantage of the fall colors but don’t want to travel far, look for parks or other scenic locations near your home. Take a drive to somewhere new and explore! You may be surprised at how close by a hidden gem can be.

Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to start planning what to wear. As we mentioned before, autumn-colored neutrals go great together. You can also add in a pop of color with accessories. If you’re not sure what will work well together, consider using a color palette as a guide to make sure the whole family looks cohesive.

Here are a few tips to make sure everyone is happy and cooperating for the perfect photo-op:

1. Let your kids pick out their own outfits. This way they feel like they have some control and are more likely to cooperate. You ca; ...

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Thursday, October 6, 2022   /   by Ana Baldner

Fall Décor Trends 2022

In Florida, the transition from summer to fall is a gradual one. The temperatures begin to cool down in October, and by November they're generally comfortable for spending time outdoors. Although we won't have colorful falling leaves like other places, we can still have fun decorating for it!

Let's look at some Fall décor trends that are taking place in 2022:

Colors

Transition your home into cozier colors like warm reds, oranges and browns. Choosing colors on the warmer side of the color palette will make your space seem cozier even if your A/C is still running. Green, traditionally a summer color, can fit your fall theme if you lean into a deep forest hue. Plus, it goes great with tones of brown and orange. You can easily incorporate these by switching out throw pillows, blankets, candles or maybe a rug. If you want to make a bigger change, you can always repaint an accent wall or two.
Another great way to add pops of orange to your home is with flowers or other ...

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