Chris Hounchell REALTOR

Welcome Home!

Award-winning Florida real estate Broker PROUDLY SELLING IN PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO, MANATEE & SARASOTA COUNTIES since 2004.

How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

By

There’s only one you…right? Identity theft is a major concern for every person in today’s digital age. Thieves can access your personal information in so many ways and do a wealth of damage in a short amount of time. Whether you’re trying to buy a home or are already a homeowner, your financial security should be a top priority. We have ways for you to identify if you’ve become a victim and ways for you to protect yourself.

What Is Identity Theft

Identity theft goes well beyond stealing a credit card number and charging purchases. Thieves today can gain access to your social security number, your date of birth, and any other personal identifying information and create an entirely separate version of you. With personal information they can open up new accounts and complete transaction, even buying property, in your name. Other thieves may simply use the information to take control of your accounts and run with the money.

How to Tell If You’re a Victim

Since identity theft relies on stealth on the part of the thief, you won’t know you’ve been targeted until after you’ve been victimized. Unauthorized withdrawals on your bank account, purchases on your credit cards, and receiving mail from institutions that you don’t have dealings with are all common signs that you’ve been the subject of identity theft. Other red flags include being notified by the IRS that a tax return has been filed under your name.

How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Protect Yourself

Identity theft is a crime of opportunity and thieves are looking for easily accessible information. Shredding any paperwork that has personal identifying information before it is thrown out is a good practice. Limit who you share your personal information with and how you share it. If you do share it make sure you are the party initiating the conversation; scammers often call unsuspecting people posing as representatives from a bank, utility, or the IRS and ask to confirm personal information.

Online shopping is a popular way for thieves to gather your information. Be sure you’re shopping on sites that have the HTTPS and TSL/SSL designations. Try to use credit cards when shopping instead of your bank debit cards this provides you a layer of fraud protection that most bank accounts don’t offer. An added layer of protection is to assign individual passwords to each of your accounts or profiles. To keep track of them you can use an encrypted password management program.

Another great step in protecting yourself is investing in identity theft protection. This is a type of insurance that could be offered by your credit card company, bank, or even insurance provider. Plans very greatly so make sure you have one that not only monitors your credit but also helps you remediation for any damage done.

Protecting yourself from identity theft isn’t a difficult task. It relies on awareness and taking one or two extra steps. The minimal effort is well worth the reward of having a secure and healthy financial identity.

 

New Year Audit

By

Now that the whirlwind of the holidays has subsided, the beginning of the year is a perfect time to give yourself and your home an audit. A new year audit should provide you with a full picture of your financial standing and your home’s health, both of which are important as a homeowner. If you’re looking to enter the real estate market this year, an audit can benefit you as well; letting you know what needs improvement before you take the next step.

New Year Audit | Chris Hounchell

Your Budget

Take the time to review your income versus expenses each month. This will help you identify any trends in your expenses and help you budget accordingly for the next year. It allows shows you areas where you can reduce your spending. If you’ve paid off a debt this year, take that money and apply it to your next debt or roll it into your savings.

Your Goals

Take time to set goals for yourself this year. Do you want to sell or buy a home or save for a BIG vacation? Now is the time to decide what you’re going to work towards this year. Once you know what you want, you need to set up the plan for how you’ll reach your goal. If you’re looking to buy, work towards paying off debt, saving a down payment, and researching potential neighborhoods. If you’re aiming to sell your home this year, look around your home from an outsider’s perspective and make the necessary repairs and updates that will help you secure the best price for your property.

Your Insurance

Life is full of uncertainty. Take the time to review your homeowners (or renters) insurance policy as well as your life insurance policy. Make sure your property policy covers not only rebuilding costs but also injury and your personal possessions. Life insurance should cover at least six months’ worth of expenses for each adult in the home.

An audit doesn’t need to become a dreaded task. If you get into the habit of reviewing these items once a year and keep your records, you’ll better be able to predict your needs for future years.

The 2018 Real Estate Market

By

Welcome to 2018! The real estate market performed in unprecedented and unpredictable ways in 2017. Many forecasts hedged their bets on rising interest rates and an increase in inventory; neither of these items can to fruition though leaving the market in many areas either stagnant or almost too hot for anyone, Buyer or Seller, to touch. Big changes are on the horizon for 2018 that experts expect the effects to ripple into the real estate market.

The New Tax Laws

Congress has passed legislation that brings sweeping changes to almost every taxpayer’s liability. Homeowners will no longer be able to deduct more than $10,000 in property taxes under the new rules. This is not a major concern for the majority of homeowner but those in high tax states such as New Jersey, New York, and California are expected to consider moving elsewhere to stay under the cap. This could be a boon for lower tax real estate markets such as Florida. Another change that’s expected to effect the real estate market is the capital gains deduction. Homeowners are now required to have used as property as their primary residence for five of the last eight years in order to deduct any capital gains they earn on the sale of their home. This many give homeowners more incentive to stay in their current homes and for Buyers to be more mindful of their future when they purchase a home.

Inventory

Inventory was at record lows for most of 2017. Home prices have climbed for 23 consecutive months and at a faster rate than wages. This has pushed some Buyers out of the market. The price gains have still not been enough for some homeowners who bought before the market collapse in 2008 thus they held on to their properties. Still other homeowners have been unwilling to sell due to the lack of inventory, thus feeding into a vicious lack of supply. Prices are expected to climb in 2018 but at a slower rate opening the market up to more Buyers; more homeowners have confidence that the market will help secure them a desirable sales price as well adding inventory.

Millenials

Millennials are expected to be the largest group of Buyers in 2018. The oldest of this group are reaching the age of thirty and looking to start families. This is expected to see Millennials exit urban areas in favor of high population suburban areas that offer amenities that are easy to walk and bike to. Major life changes such as marriage and children are also expected to push Millennials to leave the rental market in favor of homeownership.

As the temperatures heat up, experts expect the real estate market to warm up and break the road blocks it’s experienced for the last eighteen months. Expect to see healthy changes in the coming months.

 

Ring In 2018 in Tampa Bay

By

As another year comes to a close and 2018 is gearing up, many in the Tampa Bay area want to get out and celebrate. Whether you’ll be ringing in the new year with your young family or celebrating as only adults can, there’s something for everyone. Like we have done for the past three years, we’ve rounded up the best events and entertainment to ring in 2018. Happy New Year!

Family Friendly

  • Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at Sky Zone Tampa | 10137 E Adamo Dr, Tampa, FL 33619 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • The Mommy Spot’s 4th Annual NOON Year’s Eve Celebration | 4465 W Gandy Blvd #600, Tampa, FL33611 |  10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | features DJ Jake Dela Cruz, juice toast and balloon drop at noon.
  • Riverwalk Fireworks | Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park 601 Old Water St, Tampa, FL 33602 | 10 p.m. – midnight.
  • First Night St. Petersburg | Downtown St. Petersburg | 4 p.m. – midnight | more info found here.
  • Apollo Beach New Year’s Eve Bash | Circles Waterfront Restaurant 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572 | 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. | more info found here.

Ring in 2018 in Tampa Bay

Adults Only

  • New Year’s Eve at Club Prana | 1619 E 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605 | 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. | general admission is $30 for a single ticket, $50 for couple tickets.
  • The Rooftop Eve | 107 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602 | 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. | general admission is $250 and includes open bar, champagne, dessert, and entertainment.
  • New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise | Yacht StarShip & Yacht StarShip IV | 10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. | more info found here.
  • Aqua Eve | The Florida Aquarium | 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. | general admission is $30 and includes food & drinks, champagne toast, fireworks, and access to all exhibits | more info found here.
  • 2018 New Year’s After Party | Hard Rock Cafe 5224 Orient Road, Tampa, FL 33610 | 12 a.m. – 4 a.m. | general admission is $20 at the door.

Happy Holidays

By

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are upon us and 2017 is quickly coming to an end. It’s been a year full of great clients, great transactions, and a lot of success for our team. We obviously could not have experienced the amount of success we did if it wasn’t for each of our clients, co-workers, and industry counterparts. We strived to be your Realtor for 2017 and we feel we accomplished that goal but it’s one we want to keep rolling into the new year.

We know there are some big changes that can affect homeownership expected over the next few months but our team will be there every step of the way to guide you through the process of buying or selling a home.

Thank you from our team and we wish you a happy holiday season and prosperous 2018!

Happy Holidays 2017 | Hounchell Real Estate

What We’ve Closed in 2017

By

2017 has been another great year as a Realtor working in the Tampa Bay region. As of today, we’ve helped our clients close on thirty homes. That’s thirty new beginnings! Today we’re taking the time to highlight some of our favorites and some of the unique properties that give our area it’s charm and character.

January

Central Avenue, St. Petersburg

We kicked off the year in a big way with this unique live / work property in the Edge District. The first floor featured street level retail space and the second floor condo was move in ready.


February

Stanwyck Circle, Tampa

We helped our Seller secure a Buyer for their sprawling open floor plan pool home in Tampa. Among the many upgrades and features, this home boasted a media room for entertaining and relaxing.

March

W Dale Avenue, Tampa

A bidding war erupted over this stunning three bedroom, two bath home on an oversized corner lot in Tampa. We helped our Seller secure the best deal possible.

June

Doral Drive – Tampa

This four bedroom, three bath home is quintessential Florida. The outside featured tropical landscaping. Other features included a pool and waterfront access.

August

Live Oak Terrace NE, St. Petersburg

We helped our Buyer search for a new home to call their own and this gem was the winner. With three bedrooms, two baths, this pool home features an open floor plan with distinct Florida architecture.

October

48th Avenue N., St. Petersburg

Our Seller had this house turn key ready. It featured three bedrooms, two & a half baths, spacious floor plan, and a bonus room.

November

4th Avenue S., St. Petersburg

Out latest sale was this two bedrooms, two baths corner PENTHOUSE in the Sage Condominiums. It featured sweeping panoramic views of Downtown and numerous building amenities.

Our goal for 2017 was to become YOUR Realtor and we accomplish that goal for many. Are you looking to buy or sell in 2018? We’d love to be your Realtor team to get you to that goal.

4 Home Maintenance Tasks You Shouldn’t Put Off

By

Let’s face it, no one enjoys doing home maintenance. In a perfect world, your home would take care of itself and you’d never have to worry about leaks or mowing the lawn. Since we’re not living in a perfect world and the future doesn’t promise self-maintaining homes, we’re left to do the work. Preventative maintenance doesn’t need to be a huge project; in fact it can help avoid the need for a huge repair. We have four areas that you should focus on to keep your home in the best condition possible.

Roof

Since the roof is such an important part of your home, many people are intimidated by the thought of maintaining it. Roof maintenance isn’t that involved though. Keeping it free of loose debris, such as branches and leaves, is an easy task with a ladder on a dry day. You should also inspect your roof on regular intervals, once every season is best. If shingles or tiles are loose or broken, replace them before they deteriorate further and let in moisture.

4 Home Maintenance Tasks You Shouldn't Put Off

Gutters

You may not think gutters are important to your home’s overall maintenance but they are. They direct water away from your home, which protects both the appearance of your home but also its frame. Gutters, downspouts, and soffits should also be cleaned of debris as often as needed. If your downspouts are flowing away from your house this can cause water to pool around your home’s foundation and be a recipe for water damage and an invitation for insects to breed. Extensions can be purchased at any local hardware store and are easy to install.

Foundation

Another intimidating item for homeowners is the foundation. It’s literally what your home is built on so many believe it takes a professional to maintain but there are steps you can take on your own. Inspecting your foundation for any cracks often and have them repairs as soon as possible. Make sure the ground around your foundation drains away and not toward the house. Reduce expansion and contraction of your foundation by keeping the surrounding soil moisture level and your inside temperature consistent. If you have trees, large bushes, or vines near your home, make sure that the root systems are pushing towards the foundation.

Systems

No doubt you know that a home is more than just four walls and roof. All of the interior systems should be regularly inspected and maintained. These systems include your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Making sure filters are changed in your heater and air conditioner units allow the systems to run more efficiently and extend the life of the system. Look for small leaks in your plumbing can help you resolve a small issue before it become a nightmare. Electrical systems can affect more than just the lights in your house. Make sure your outlets and switches are in good condition, the demand your placing on your breaker is within its capacity, and your appliances are also in good working order.

As you can see these four areas cover the majority of your home. If regularly maintained, you can prevent the need for unexpected major repairs. Regular maintenance also goes a long way in securing a top dollar offer when the time comes to sell your home.

3 What If Situations to Consider As a Homeowner

By

You’ve found your dream home, you’ve signed all the paperwork, and the keys are now in your hand. Your only financial obligation is to pay the mortgage on time every month, right? Wrong. While you had a lot to consider during the home buying process, now that you’re a homeowner you have even more things to consider.

What If Something Happens to the House?

Almost every homeowner purchases an insurance policy for the property but does it go far enough? An insurance policy may cover the cost to rebuild but what about your personal belongings? If your home is so damaged that it’s uninhabitable you should either have enough money in savings to afford an alternative place to live or  have a rider in your insurance policy to cover your living expenses. Homes in areas such as Florida and California should be protected by flood insurance and earthquake insurance policies, respectively.

3 What Ifs to Consider As a Homeowner

What If You’re Injured?

Accidents happen and while many of us don’t like to dwell on the idea that we could be hurt, as a homeowner it’s something you should consider. Are you eligible for state sponsored disability insurance through your employer? Does your employer offer plans that bolster a state plan? Disability insurance can help provide you with a steady source of income if you’ve been injured and are unable to work. This will allow you to continue making payments of your financial obligations including your mortgage payment.

What If You Died?

The old adage “there’s nothing certain but death and taxes” is accurate. We’re all going to die one day and while we hope it’ll be after a long and happy life, it’s beneficial to your family to consider what will happen to your house when the time comes. If you don’t think you’re mortgage will be paid off when the time comes, it may be beneficial to have a life insurance policy that covers the expected balance. A will is another important item to have. In addition to your immediate last wishes, a will can instruct your heirs to keep the house or sell it and divide the profits according to your directions.

As a homeowner you can’t plan for ever situation that may go wrong but you can plan for the big ones. A little bit of preventative effort can go a long way when you’re in the thick of it. Many of these considerations aren’t expensive either and can save you in long run.

What Makes a Motivated Seller

By

You want to sell your house that makes you a motivated Seller. Right? Maybe not. While every homeowner would love to sell their house for the listing price, or as close to it as possible, motivated Sellers are aggressive in their listing practices and willing to make a deal to get to the table as fast as possible.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Why is your motivation? Did you accept a new job offer or are you going through a life change such as a divorce or illness? Are your expectations for the sale in line with the current market? Are you physically able to get the house prepared to sell?

Motivated Is Not Desparate

Desperation is not a good selling point and it’ll become apparent to potential Buyers. While you as the Seller may be desperate you need to keep your anxiety in check and put forth a strong but inciting listing. If your listing appears desperate, Buyers and their agents may suspect something seriously wrong with the house and shy away from showings. If you do find a interested Buyer they may not be willing to make a fair offer to you, thinking they have you up against the ropes.

What Makes a Motivated Seller

The Price Is Right

Pricing is going to be one of the biggest factors in selling your home. If you’re truly motivated you’ll price your home competitively from the start. Your Realtor may even suggest aggressive price reductions at 30, 60, and 90 days. You also need to be willing to negotiate with a Buyer. Whether it’s on the price or concessions, be ready to make some kind of deal to get to the closing table.

 Get Ready, Stay Ready

A staged home sells faster than a non-staged home, according the National Association of Realtors. Whether you spend money on staging or do it yourself, keeping your house in that same condition every day is important. Operating under the assumption that a potential Buyer is going to walk through your home every day is the mindset you’ll need. You’ll also want to make your home as accessible as possible to showings. That means there should be little to no reason to decline or cancel a showing. And once you have an offer, make sure you have new living arrangements lined up and you’re prepared to move out as soon as possible.

While there is no wrong time to sell (or buy) identifying your motivations for doing so will help you achieve your desired outcome. White hot markets don’t always yield the biggest sales price and slower markets don’t necessarily mean a “for sale” sign will sit on your lawn for months on end. If you’re motivate to sell now, being enticing, flexible, and ready is the key to your success.

How to Prepare Your Home For a Showing

By

You may have done some serious home improvement projects, hired a cleaning crew to deep clean everything, and staged your home like a professional in preparation for your home to be photographed for listing. But once those pictures are published and the sign is out front you still have to live in your home.  Real life is rarely ever as spotless as those listing pictures.  You want each of your showings to put your home’s best foot forward. That means making the house look like it did in those listing pictures each time a potential Buyer walks through the door.

How to Prepare your House for a Showing

It’s impossible to keep your home “show ready” every single day, right?  Wrong! You can and should.  A clean and orderly house allows for potentials Buyers to see the house – not your piles of laundry – and picture themselves living there. You don’t need to hire a live in house keeper though, just take small steps to keep the house clean and orderly all week.  Here’s how you can do it:

Daily Preparations

  • Sweep and mop floors; vacuum rugs and carpets.
  • Wipe down counters and fixtures in kitchen and bathroom.
  • Wash dishes or run dishwasher and put away.
  • Make beds.
  • Hang up coats and keep shoes, back packs, and sports equipment put away.
  • Put away toys at the end of the day.
  • Put mail away immediately; throw out or shred those items that you do not need.
  • Water the lawn and plants.

Weekly Preparations

  • Scrub the bathrooms and kitchen.
  • Dust furniture, blinds, and ceiling fans.
  • Wipe windows and mirrors with window cleaner.
  • Mow lawn and weed flower beds.

Immediately Before Showing

  • Use a laundry basket or large container to round up any loose items; hide the basket in your car until after the showing.
  • Secure personal effects, important documents, or other similar items.
  • Take out the garbage.
  • Close all cabinets and drawers.
  • Close toilet lids.
  • Open all interior doors.
  • Open blinds and curtains to allow in natural light or turn on the lights.
  • Make sure animals are crated or taken with you during the showing.
  • Make sure the outside of the house is clear of any debris or trash.

These lists seeing daunting but in reality they take only a few minutes out of your day and a few hours once a week to complete. If you have previously gone through your personal effects and purged items you no longer use or need, you’ll have even less to clean or move in preparation for a showing.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published October 2014 and has since been updated and edited for clarity & cohesiveness.