Chris Hounchell REALTOR

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

Are Solar Panels Right For Your Home?

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A kitchen or bathroom renovation can yield exciting results but energy efficiency improvements aren’t nearly as fun but can have a large payoff. One of the most popular improvements in Florida is solar panel installation. Living in the Sunshine State, it seems pretty obvious to take advantage of the bright sun to alleviate your utility bills. But not all homes or lifestyles are candidates for solar panels. Are solar panels right for your home?

Consider the Cost

The cost of the solar panel system is based on the amount of wattage you will need, which depends on the size of your home and your needs. The average size of a solar system in 5kW (5,000 watts) and costs $12,500.00. This price reflects federal and state tax credits. If paying for the system in cash isn’t an option, financing options are available from the installer, your local bank, or mortgage company. If you choose to finance, you should review your budget to ensure that you can include the monthly payment.

Consider the System

There’s not one type of solar system. The are three different types of systems: owned, leased, and power purchase agreement (PPA). With each option there are variables that need to be considered prior to making a decision. Some of these variables include maintenance, exception from tax rebates, and utility company rates.

Are Solar Panels Right For Your Home?

Consider Your Home

The most important thing you need for a solar system is the sun. You’ll want to examine your home’s solar exposure to determine how much energy solar panels will be able to capture. In addition to exposure, time of exposure (both length and time of day) and the grade of your roof will make a difference in your home solar energy efficiency. If solar panels are best installed on the front of your home you’ll want to make sure that there is no ordinance from a homeowner’s association or the municipality preventing the installation.

Consider Long Term

Are you looking to sell your home in a few short years but think the addition of solar panels are going to make a huge leap in your home value? You may want to think again. The initial upfront costs compared to the added value may not even out right away. The savings of a solar system are also seen over a longer term.

Solar panels and solar systems are not a get rich quick scheme. There will always be a reliance on utility companies but solar panels can diminish that reliance and improve your home’s energy efficiency and it’s value and your budget.

Sources: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-decide-whether-to-install-solar-panels-for-your-1719858560

http://news.energysage.com/how-much-does-the-average-solar-panel-installation-cost-in-the-u-s/

How to Be a Stress Free Landlord

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You may think the hardest part of owning a rental property and acting as a landlord is finding quality tenants but you’d be wrong. The real work begins once your tenants sign the lease and move into your property. It can be stressful owning a property that relies on a third party to pay the bills. We have four ways to habits to help you be a stress free landlord.

Be Consistent

Routine and consistency are your two best tools when it comes to being a successful landlord. When you draft your lease, explicitly state the rules for the tenants including rent due date, late fees, pet policies, and things like smoking and lawn maintenance. Make sure you collect the rent at the same time and in the same manner every month and enforce the terms of the lease. That means not giving your tenant a pass on late fees or bending the rules despite the saddest sob story they can tell you.

Seek Out Professionals

Drafting a lease agreement shouldn’t be the only time you seek out professional help when it comes to your rental property. Unless you’re a master carpenter, plumber, and electrician chances are you’ll need the assistance of one at some point during your tenants stay. Hiring a professional can save you time and money by knowing how to remedy the issue in the most efficient and effective way possible.

How to Be a Stress Free Landlord

Put It In Writing

Whether it’s a no smoking policy, a change of address, or late rent notice…put everything in writing. If you have any verbal conversations with your tenant back it up with a summary email. It’s also a good idea to keep a record of when you received each month’s payment and in the form it was made (check, money order, electronic payment, etc.).

Respect Your Tenants

Your rental property is a business and your tenants are your customers. You should want to keep them as happy as possible without putting yourself in an uncomfortable financial position or setting expectations too high that they can’t always be met in the same way. Keep your communications limited to specifics and within normal business hours, if possible. Finally, adhere to your obligations under the lease. Make repairs and respond to questions from your tenant in a timely fashion.

Owning and managing a rental property doesn’t need to be a stressful situation, even if you got into the business because you had no other option.

Five Things You Should Do When You Move

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After all the stress and nail biting of inspections and mortgage approval and closing, settling into a new home can be fun and exciting. Whether it’s your first home or not, it’s always fun to put your mark on a place that’s yours. In addition to unpacking boxes and hanging up new curtains, there are five things you should do when you move. We’ve not only compiled the list for you but also solid reasons for why you do these things.

Locate the nearest hospital, police station, and firehouse.

With the wonderful services of 911 just a phone call (and now a text message) away, you may be wondering why you should know exactly where these places are. The answer is simple: always be prepared. You may have an accident that doesn’t require 911 assistance but still requires you to get to the hospital sooner rather than later. If someone is following you, it’s best to go to the police station instead of going home and calling for help. Knowing how close your home is to a fire house can not only save you quite a bit of money on your home owner’s insurance but fire fighters are almost always trained in first aid and emergency assistance as well as fire fighting.

Change the locks.

The Sellers gave you twelve copies of the house keys at closing and told you that was all of them and they may be telling the truth but what if they forgot to collect copies from friends and family? What is they didn’t change the locks to the house when they bought it? The best way to ensure your peace of mind is to spend the money and change the locks. You can always have a locksmith simply rekey the lock or you can take the opportunity to put your own touch on the house with a whole new set. The choice is yours and can fit every budget.

Five Things You Should Do When You Move

Setup utility services.

This really should be done prior to you closing and many times your closing company will handle this for you (for a fee of course). If for some reason, you or the closing company hasn’t set up accounts for utility services in your name do it immediately. You don’t want to be halfway through unpacking on your first night and have the lights shut off or try to take a shower on the Monday after moving in and find out the water service has been shut off. Most utilities can be set up over the phone and very few require a deposit.

Clean.

Before you bring a single box into your new house, clean it from top to bottom. Sellers are only required to leave the house to the Buyers in broom swept condition. Frankly, that leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Besides simply dusting and mopping, scrub the bathrooms and kitchen and be sure to clean out closets and cabinets of dust and crumbs. You’ll never get another chance to really deep clean your house again without anything in it.

Introduce yourself to the neighbors.

If you have good neighbors chances are they’ll make the first move and welcome you to the neighborhood but if you’re in and out of the house and run into someone be sure to offer a “hello” or go over and introduce yourself. You’ll be living within close proximity for at least a few years, it can benefit you both to be on amicable terms.

These five simple steps take very little time to complete but will ensure you home life is safe, clean, and enjoyable.

Safety Tips For Living Alone

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According to the Census Bureau, as of 2013 27% of households in American consisted of only one person. There were a number of reasons why single person households were on the rise including delaying marriage, personal choice, and increasing health in seniors. Whether you’re living by yourself because you recently moved to the area for a new job or you just enjoy the solitude of not having a roommate, living alone does pose some safety concerns. We have several tips to maintain your safety without infringing on your solo lifestyle.

Don’t Share Everything

At a cool bar? Check-in on Facebook. Delicious meal in front of you? Post it to Instagram and tag the restaurant. We can tell everyone where we are at every single moment of the day thanks to the power of social media. Don’t do it! If you check-in to a location you’re advertising to anyone with access to your social media accounts that you are not home. If you check-in at home, you’re giving those same followers the exact location of your home. You should also avoid checking-in to the locations that you frequent during your daily routine. You don’t want to leave a digital trail for someone with less than good intentions.

Secure Your Home

Regardless if you’re living in a single home or an apartment on the top floor of a building, securing your home is a must-do. Locking your windows and doors before you leave your house is obvious but you should also lock them after entering. You can also purchase window and door guards that are easy to install and remove in the event of an emergency. Leaving lights on can also give the appearance of someone home, which will deter a person looking to break into a home. If you have security personnel hired by your apartment building, make them aware that no one is allowed up to your door without confirmation from you. Home security systems also come with a wide array of features and price points. These systems can include cameras that allow you to see who is at your front door more clearly than a peephole would.

Safety Tips for Living Alone

Be Aware

If you’re walking or traveling alone, you should resist the urge to distract yourself with a book or your smartphone. Remain aware of your situation and surroundings at all times is important. If you notice someone who may be following you, do not go home but rather to a public space where you can seek out assistance. Avoid getting into stairwells, elevators, or others that don’t allow for quick exits.

Research

During your home search you should research the crime rates in a given area. Realtors are prohibited from providing this information to you due to discrimination laws but sites like CrimeWatch.com and your state’s Meghan’s Law website can give you crime statistics and whether sex offenders live or work near where you are looking to live. If you can, ask the neighbors or other tenants for their feelings about the area. You can also research your landlord through a public records search and sites such as ReviewMyLandlord.com.

Say “Hi”

Once you’re moved in, make an effort to get on good terms with your neighbors. You don’t have to become best friends but showing that you’ll be a welcomed addition to the neighborhood will go a long way. Exchange names and phone numbers once you feel comfortable. Neighbors may be able to notice if something does appear to be quite right with your home and can contact you or the police if necessary.

Personal and home safety extends well past the four walls of your home. Put these tips into practice for peace of mind.

Make Your Home a Smart Home

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It seems like everything we own today is “smart”. We have smart phones, smart cars…why not have a smart home as well? There are multiple benefits to making your home a smart home. Smart technologies allow for increased accessibility, safety, energy efficiency, and savings. All of these points are music to home owners’ ears. So how do you make your home smart? We have a list of the technologies that can turn your home into a smart home.

Amazon Echo

The Amazon Echo is a hub device that can give you control over multiple smart systems in your home. The Echo technology is voice activated, can connect to the internet via your home’s WiFi, and your Amazon account. It will also take notes for you, play music, and set alarms and reminders for you.

Nest Learning Thermostat

This thermostat learns your routine and desired temperatures after just one week of use. It will learn when you are away from the house by using an app for your phone and your phone’s GPS location. You can also set the thermostat via the app even if you’re not home. The thermostat is able to alert you if your home’s heating or cooling systems are experiencing issues. It also encourages you to set the temperature to optimize energy efficiency, which will save you money on your utility bills.

Make Your Home a Smart Home

photo courtsey of Scott Lewis via Flickr

Smart Locks

There are multiple options for smart locks. The basic idea behind a smart lock is keyless entry either through bluetooth technology or a pin number. Some locks will relock themselves if you move far enough away from the door, inside and outside your home. It’s best to do your research because not all locks will work with all doors.

Smart Outlets & Light Bulbs

Using a house hub like Amazon Echo can allow you to control your lights and appliances that are made smart. You can replace wall outlets and light bulbs with smart versions. These items can connect to your home’s WiFi and apps on your phone, computer, and/or house hub to schedule on and off times and turn the connected lights and appliances on and off in real time from wherever you are.

There are even more options to make your home smart including blinds, kitchen appliances, and beds.

Editor’s note: Hounchell Real Estate has not been paid for discussing the products listed in this article. All opinions are our own.

Contingencies: What Are They & Should You Accept Them?

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You’ve listed your house at a competitive rate, you’ve had multiple showings, maybe an open house, and finally a Buyer makes an offer. You’re house is on it’s way to being sold. Not so fast! When you sign the agreement of sale you’ll notice certain contingencies are in effect. It may want to make you run fast from this Buyer but contingencies are actually a common and standard practice in most home sales.

What is a contingency?

In real estate, the term contingency refers to language in an agreement of sale that allows for the contract to be voided, usually without financial consequences, if certain conditions are not met. Some contingencies are standard practice based on local custom and others are specific to individual agreements

What are some common contingencies?

Most boiler plate agreements of sale will have contingencies built in for things like termite and home inspections, financing, and appraisal. Most Buyers (and their mortgage companies) will want termite and home inspections completed on the house prior to underwriting a loan. The idea is that if a defect or issue is found in either inspections the Buyer can request for remedy or repair prior to closing. If the Seller cannot or refuses to agree to the request, the contract becomes null and void and the earnest money is returned to the Buyer. Similarly, if the Buyer is relying on a mortgage to purchase the property a financing contingency will be enacted. This contingency requires the Buyer to secure financing within a set number of days. If the Buyer fails to do so and an agreement cannot be reached between Buyer and Seller to extend the contingency, the contract is again null and void but in this case the Buyer may lose their earnest money. If an appraisal comes in below the agreed upon sales price and the Seller is unable to reduce the price, the Buyer may walk away and retain his earnest money.

Contingencies: What Are They & Should You Accept Them?

What are some unique contingencies?

The most familiar of the individual contingencies is the ability for the Buyer to purchase the property only after he has sold his current property. In this instance, it is up to the Seller to set a timeline for the Buyer to do so.

Recently, Buyers have been writing in contingency clauses for securing insurance for the property they are looking to buy. If an underwriter cannot be found or a policy cannot be written for a certain amount of money, the Buyer may call off the contract.

Should I accept a contingency?

For standard contingency like inspections and financing, most Sellers would be foolish not to. The only exception to this is if the property is listed for sale “as-is” or “cash only”. Most Buyers will require financing to purchase a property and most mortgage companies require thorough inspections of properties prior to furnishing funds and require the short windows of time to line up the appropriate vendors.

Other contingencies, like sale contingencies are ones that should give Sellers pause. It’s best to discuss the matter with your Realtor before making a decision. If the Buyer is attempting to sell their property in a red hot market, accepting a sales contingency may not be that much of a risk; conversely if the market is cold your property could be waiting in limbo for months before it closes. If you do accept a non-standard contingency be sure to write in language that allows for your property to continue to be shown to other prospective Buyers and if another non-contingent offer is made it can override the contingent offer in the first Buyer is unable to make a match within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

Contingencies don’t have to spell disaster or even test your faith in your Buyer and the deal you’ve struck. Make smart and informed decisions when it comes to a contingent offer and know what you are and aren’t willing to deal with before ever listing your house.

Relocation Guide

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Since 2010, the Tampa Bay area has seen a job creation boom from companies such as Johnson & Johnson and JPMorgan Chase. This explosion of jobs isn’t just good news for the companies but also for the local economy. With new jobs, the state sees an increase in tax revenues and the real estate market experiences a boon of Buyers and Renters. Many of those Buyers and Renters are employees relocating to the area. Relocating for a job can be an unnerving and stressful experience but it can also be one full of excitement and opportunity. We have a list of must do’s when you relocate to help make your transition an easy one.

Research

If you’re relocating as part of your job find out if your employer is offering any assistance. Some firms will help their employees with selling their property at the original location and find and help fund housing in the new location. If you have the opportunity, take a few days to visit your new location to explore different neighborhoods, visit schools, and get a read on traffic patterns. You’ll also want to decide on how you’ll move yourself; will you hire professionals or do it yourself? Either way, you need to make the appropriate reservations as soon as you make your decision.

Prepare

Whether you’re moving yourself or hiring professionals to do all the lifting, you need to prepare your current home for a move. If you’re selling or renting to tenants, you’ll need to contact a Realtor to list the house for sale or lease. If you’re a tenant, you’ll need to give your landlord the proper notice. It’s best to go through your belongings before you ever pack a box and decide what you want to keep and want you don’t. It’s good to employ the “keep, donate, toss” method of sorting through your belongings. If you’ll be moving into a new home immediately upon your arrival in your new location, you’ll need to make sure you have a fully signed lease or have completed closing prior to arriving.

Relocation Guide | Hounchell Real Estate

(Photo courtesy of Guy Kilroy via Flickr.)

Tie Up Loose Ends

Your footprint extends past the walls of your home. When you move, you’ll need to close out any open accounts and memberships that can’t be transferred to your new location. You’ll also need to let your doctors and dentist know you’re moving and ask for copies of your records. You may want to ask if they have any recommendations for doctors in your new area. If you have children, you’ll need to arrange for their withdrawal from their current school and enrollment at their need school. It’s also good to hand carry a copy of their school records as well.

Stay Organized

There’s a lot of paperwork involved in a move. Keep all of the important paperwork together will make it easy to locate whatever you need at a moment’s notice. A binder with plastic sleeves and tabs is a good way to manage the task. If you’re using professional movers you’ll need to sign an inventory at pack-out and drop-off. Make sure you can read everything that’s on the inventory and the number of boxes listed matches what’s been written down. Some moving expenses may be tax deductible as well so keep all of your toll and gas receipts and keep track of your mileage.

Network

Being in a new place can be very lonely but it doesn’t need to be. Social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn has allowed us to stay connected with friends from all stages of our lives. Reach out to those that may be near by and connect. Use your hobbies and favorite activities as another jumping off point for meeting new people. Join a gym or take a class that interests you. Chances are the reason you moved for your job is because you enjoy it so don’t be afraid to socialize with your coworkers.

No move is ever without some hiccups along the way. Keep your cool and embrace the experience you’re undertaking with a relocation. Read more about relocating Tampa Bay.

New Years Events In Tampa Bay

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Whether you’re ready to say “see you late” to 2016 or you want to squeeze every last moment out, Tampa Bay is where it’s at for ringing in the New Year. From family friendly events to adult only parties, there’s something for everyone. We’ve rounded up some of the best New Years Events in the Tampa Bay area so make your plans!

Family Friendly New Years Events

  • Downtown Countdown at Glazer Children’s Museum; event begins at 12:00 p.m.
  • First Night in St. Petersburg; this event is celebrating it’s 24th year and covers multiple arts and performance centers in St. Petersburg; buttons must be purchased to participate prices range from $10-$15 for adults and $5-$10 for children; more details can be found at www.firstnightstpete.com.
  • Noon Year’s Eve is back again at the Lowry Park Zoo. Live entertainment, games, activities, and character appearances help ring in the new year for young attendees. Noisemakers, hats, and a juice toast are included in your admission ticket. More information can be found at lowryparkzoo.org/events.
  • Light It Up! Fireworks on Clearwater Beach. Pull up a chair or a blank on Clearwater Beach and welcome in the new year with a fireworks display over the Gulf. Admission is free.

New Years Events in Tampa Bay

Adults Only New Years Events

  • Tampa Theatre NYE Wrap Party. The inaugural event turns the Tampa Theatre into a frat house for an epic house party. Event runs from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Tickets are $99 per person with a $10 discount for Tampa Theatre members. “Animal House” style costumes are encourages. More details can be found at www.tampatheatre.org.
  • Black & White New Year’s Eve hosted by Travr. The 9th annual event takes place at The Hyde Out and begins at 8:00 p.m. and goes until 3:00 a.m. Tickets are $15 and include door gifts, a champagne fountain, midnight balloon drop, and champagne toast. More details are available here.
  • The Blind Goat’s New Years Eve Party. This party includes an all night open bar including a top shelf selection, unlimited dinner until 11:00 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $79 per person and can be purchased here.
  • NYE Red Carpet Affiar hosted by Club Prana. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, VIP tickets are $60; couples packages are available. The party takes place on all five floors of the club with a balloon drop, champagne toast, and view of the fireworks at midnight. More information can be found at clubprana.com.

Wherever you ring in 2017, we want you to do it safely and responsibly. Don’t drink and drive.

Happy Holidays!

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It has been a whirlwind year filled with some great things and some not so great things. In the end, we had another excellent professional year, and our team couldn’t have done it without you. The customers, professionals, coworkers and peers that we’ve interacted with have contributed to the wonderful success our team has enjoyed over the last 365 days.

Looking ahead, we have big plans for 2017, and that includes being YOUR Realtor of the year. Our goal is to meet all of your real estate needs, and that can go well beyond just buying and selling. Don’t be afraid to reach out to our team, as no question or need is too small for our attention.

Happy Holidays 2016

We also want to wish each of you a happy and safe holiday season. We hope that you’re able to take some time to reflect on the year, and refresh yourself for the brand new year that awaits us.

Happy holidays and best wishes!

Chris Hounchell and Associates

What We’ve Closed in 2016

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It’s been a busy year for our team! We’ve help our clients buy or sell over forty homes this year and we’re still not done yet. We wanted to share some of our favorite properties that we’ve closed in 2016.

548 6th Street N., St. PetersburgWhat We've Closed in 2016

This home celebrated it’s 100th birthday this year in a big way: with a new owner! The classic bungalow style home is located in St. Petersburg historic uptown neighborhood. It features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and many of the historical charms while remaining relevant with today’s lifestyle wants and needs.

3930 24th Avenue N., St. Petersburg

What We've Closed in 2016

We recently helped our Seller close on this stunning mid-century ranch home. Everything about this property was a homerun from the lush landscaping to the tigerwood floors inside, large master bedroom, oversized kitchen with granite countertops, and formal dining room.

What We've Closed in 2016

3930-24th-ave-exterior-2

9971 58th Street E., Parrish

What We've Closed in 2016

One of our most recent transactions, our Buyers are now calling this four bedroom Pulte property “home”. In addition to the four well sized bedrooms, this home also features a kitchen made for entertaining, custom touches like floor to ceiling bookshelves in the den, and sits on a preserved lot to guarantee privacy.

What We've Closed in 2016

9971-58th-st-exterior-2

6640 Park Strand Drive, Apollo

What We've Closed in 2016

This property was all about drama. From the moment you stepped through the elegant entry way you were met with dramatic flares such as a French doored office, a great room with twenty foot ceilings and a double staircase that led to a media room. The master bedroom was more like a suite with an enormous walk-in closet, dual vanities, soaking tub, and oversized shower. The home was located within the desirable Waterset Community which has lust-worthy amenities including community swimming pools, clubhouse, fitness center, and numerous trails.  It’s no wonder our Buyers were eager to make this their new home.

What We Closed in 2016

What We Closed in 2016

As you can see, our team has covered a wide range of home styles and an ever wider geographical area. If you’re looking to buy your dream home or sell your existing home in the near year, contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you in your endeavor.