A final walk-through within 24 hours of closing is recommended.

Homebuyers: Final Walk-Through Essential Before Real Estate Closing

The first thing you want to find when you walk into your new home after the closing is that the house you just bought is in exactly the condition you expected. A final walk-through within 24 hours prior to signing the papers and handing over the checks will help ensure that nothing has changed, that all required repairs have been completed and the home is clean and ready for its new owners. Always insist on a final walk-through.

12 Tips  on the all-important homebuyers final walk-through

1. Have your real estate agent accompany you; it’s always best to have another pair of knowledgeable eyes along to pick-up on things you might miss in your excitement. Chris Hounchell & Associates of Keller Williams Realty is expertly qualified to make every step of your closing a smooth success.
2. Ask the seller to accompany you; they know about all the house’s little peculiarities and can answer any last minute questions you might have. It’s also a good idea to have a good relationship with the seller as you may have questions for them later.
3. Turn on all the lights and faucets, flush the toilets and check that the appliances you purchased are all there and are working properly. Take the time to run the dishwasher, turn on the ceiling fans, ring the doorbell, make sure the hot water heater works, test the security system, etc.
4. Test the heating and air conditioning system regardless of the time of year.
5. Open and close all doors and windows. Are they working right? Is there any breakage? Are all the screens in place?
6. Does the garage door opener work and do you have all the remotes?
7. Check floors, ceilings and walls for any signs of mold or mildew, especially in a home that has been vacant for a while. Also check for any damage that may have been done by movers.
8. Confirm that all repairs specified in the sales agreement have been completed and that the property, inside and out, has not deteriorated since your last visit. Also be sure the seller has provided you with warranties for any work that was done as well as manuals for all appliances.
9. Outside, have there been any changes in the landscaping and does the sprinkler system work properly?

10. Did the seller leave the house clean and without mountains of debris at the curb? Did they leave any personal belongings behind?

11. At the closing, be sure to get all keys to the home. If you’re buying a condo, you’ll also need keys to your mailbox, storage space and common areas. Get the alarm system codes and any other access info you might need.

12. If there are issues to resolve following the final walk-through, you may need to delay the closing until everything is completed. If the closing date cannot be changed, work out issues during the closing and have the seller compensate you for any costs you may incur.

Chris Hounchell & Associates is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the St. Petersburg-Tampa area. Contact Chris Hounchell today at 727-642-9107.

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Aerial View of Tierra Verde

Tierra Verde, St. Petersburg Florida’s Crown Jewel

Native Americans considered the 15 islands that make up Tierra Verde at the southernmost tip of Pinellas County, Florida to be sacred ground. Rumors persist that the pirates Jose Gaspar, Juan Gomez and Jean Lafitte frequented the area, and may have left behind buried treasure. Today, Tierra Verde, or “Green Land,” is considered to be one of the crown jewels of St. Petersburg Florida Real Estate.

Surrounded by Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico

Surrounded by Boca Ciega Bay to the north, Tampa Bay to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Tierra Verde is a 667-acre enclave of high-end single-family homes and condominiums that encompass the subdivisions of Entrada, Monte Cristo, Pinellas Bayway, Sands Point, East Shore and West Shore.

Tierra Verde is also the gateway to Pinellas County’s recreational gem and historical landmark, Fort DeSoto Park, with its popular beaches, canoe trails, swimming centers, playgrounds, nature trails and dog park.

In the early 1960’s, Tierra Verde’s developers dredged the bottom of Tampa Bay, and deposited thousands of cubic yards of fill throughout the area. An extensive system of waterways was then created, and today Tierra Verde offers boaters unrestricted access to the area’s waters. This deed-restricted community boasts extra-wide canals, some as deep as 15-feet, which is a big selling point for owners of sailboats with deep drafts. And as a result of the original dredging and development plan, the Gulf of Mexico regularly sweeps the waterways clean, which may explain why a huge variety of fish and manatees call the area home.

If you’re considering purchasing a waterfront property, luxury home or condominium, take a look at St. Petersburg, Florida’s Tierra Verde community where prices range from between $150,000 to over $5 million.

Chris Hounchell & Associates, Keller Williams Realty, is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the Pinellas County area, including Tierra Verde. Contact Chris Hounchell today at 727-642-9107.

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First-time homebuyers look at options in Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL

Relocating DC Newlyweds Tour Tampa/St. Petersburg Neighborhoods With Chris Hounchell

I was fortunate to spend my childhood growing up on one of the barrier islands off Sarasota. My family lives there still and I miss them. My husband grew up in Miami and has a sister in St. Pete. He’d like to see her and his folks more often. Our careers have moved us up and down the east coast over the past seven years. We were recently married and plan to return to the west coast of Florida soon to settle into a permanent home and start a family of our own.

First-Time Home Buyers Start Looking For Home

While visiting over the holidays, we contacted Chris Hounchell of Chris Hounchell & Associates at the advice of a friend who knew Chris as an expert in all aspects of the Tampa/St. Petersburg real estate market. We want to work with a seasoned professional who is close to our age and is a native who knows all the ins and outs about the various neighborhoods that make up the area. We couldn’t have been more pleased to begin our search for our first home with Chris.

Before meeting, we spent time on the phone with him to discuss our priorities, our timing, our price range and our vision of what we were looking for in a home and a community. Our first impression was that we had found the Realtor® we were looking for. Chris was knowledgeable, friendly, and a good listener who quickly understood our needs. He also had some great suggestions.

We met late one morning on a Wednesday and Chris took us on a tour of several neighborhoods in both Tampa and St. Petersburg. It was great having Chris as our guide as he obviously knows the area and the market. We also toured several houses to get a feel for what our money might buy. We started getting really excited.

At the end of the day, we were tired but also seriously pleased over all we learned during our day with Chris. We’ve now targeted three neighborhoods we really like but knew very little about before meeting Chris. We were pleased to find that there are homes that meet our needs and that we can afford. And we found the Realtor® with whom we will work.

Follow-up Trip Planned On Targeted Tampa, St. Petersburg Neighborhoods

We’ll return to Florida in April to begin looking in earnest and we look forward to seeing what Chris has in store for us this time.

We look forward to sharing our first-time home buying experience with you over the next few months.  Stay tuned.

JRF - Alexandria, Virginia

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Tebow shocks Steelers in OT.

TEBOW!!!!!

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Thinking about buying a second home? Does the lure of owning a Florida or mountain getaway have you planning your vacation around looking at beachfront bungalows, log cabins or potential rental properties? Here are some tips on how to approach the process and make the decisions with which you’ll be faced.

1. Why buy a second home? If you’re thinking of buying a rental property, your motivation is income and appreciation. If you’re thinking of buying a vacation property, your motivation will revolve around the fun you and your family can have now and in the future. Or, you can combine your motivations, and purchase a rental property that will eventually become your family’s vacation hideaway. But be sure to evaluate how much time you’ll spend in your new home away from home, and whether you’ll want to keep returning time after time.
2. Go in with your eyes open. A second home comes with additional, initial expenses as well as ongoing expenses. Be sure you know what all your acquisition costs will be, and get a good feel for what it will cost on a monthly basis before pulling the trigger. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating what the real cost of owning and maintaining a second home will be. Florida’s Homestead Exemption reduces property taxes on primary residences, but not second homes. Know what your taxes will be. And be sure to consult with an accountant to determine how owning a second home will affect your income taxes.
   
3. Location, location, location. You’ve heard it before, but when it comes to buying a second home, whether it’s for income or fun, location really is the key. You already own your first home, so when you’re looking for your second you can take your time, relax and wait until the right location comes along. Don’t be in a hurry; the pressure is off. You still want your new home to appreciate, so consider buying in popular areas, perhaps near the beach, a lake or a waterway.
4. Choose a professional Realtor®. We can’t stress this strongly enough. You need a Realtor® who will listen and understand what your priorities are, the budget within which you need to work and someone who has established professional relationships with the people you’ll be working with. (i.e. appraisers, lenders, insurance brokers, etc.) You also want a Realtor® who knows the area, its neighborhoods, their weak and strong points, and where the market is moving. Chris Hounchell & Associates and Keller Williams Realty, Inc. can help you with all your real estate needs.
5. Insurance. Before you buy, make sure you’re able to purchase the insurance you need, especially if you’re thinking of a home near the water. If you take out a mortgage, title insurance will likely be required. You may also want to consider liability insurance if you will be renting your second home.
6. Find a lender. Keep in mind that not all lenders are alike, and some have different rules when it comes to mortgaging second homes. Rates are very attractive right now, and the rate you end up paying for a mortgage on your second home should be about the same as what you pay for your primary residence. However, some lenders may charge an additional one-half to full-point fee for loans on investment properties. As to your down payment, consider using the equity in your first home through a refinance or a home equity line of credit.
7. Revisit why you’re buying that second property. If it’s for income, your path is clear. You’ll become a landlord, which comes with all its rights and responsibilities. Is that something you really want to be? If it’s a vacation home, how much time do you really think you’ll spend there? Be honest with yourself when asking these important questions, or they’ll come back to haunt you later.
8. Make an offer. But not any offer. Today’s market is tipped toward the buyer, and there are fantastic deals to be had. When you’ve found the property that really meets your needs, submit an offer and see where it takes you. You’ll quickly find out how motivated the seller is. Make sure your offer is reasonable, and keep to your budget. If you can’t get the home at the price you’re willing to pay, walk away. Another opportunity will present itself very shortly.

Chris Hounchell & Associates, Keller Williams Realty, is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the Pinellas County area. Contact Chris Hounchell today at 727-642-9107.

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Chris Hounchell Joins Keller Williams Realty, Inc.

Chris Hounchell, Team Leader of Chris Hounchell & Associates, has joined the 80-agent downtown St. Petersburg, FL office of Keller Williams Realty, Inc.

Chris, a multi-million dollar producer who ranks among the Top 100 real estate agents in the country, brings to Keller Williams Realty his wealth of professional experience, a high-energy, entrepreneurial spirit and an intense work ethic, all of which has earned him a reputation for excellence and leadership in the greater St. Petersburg/Tampa real estate market.

Chris will be headquartered in Keller Williams Realty’s downtown St. Petersburg office located at 111 2^nd Ave. NE, Suite 400.

Keller Williams Realty, Inc., is the second-largest real estate franchise in the United States, and was founded in 1983 in Austin, Texas. Keller Williams is also one of the nation’s fastest growing independently owned and operated real estate group franchises, with over 700 offices and more than 80,000 associates.

Chris Hounchell & Associates is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the Pinellas County, Florida area. Contact Chris Hounchell today at 727-642-9107 or email him at chris@chrishounchell.com.

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Florida snowbirds enjoying Gulf of Mexico beaches near St. Petersburg, FL

8 Tips For Planning Your Snowbird Winter Stay in Florida

It’s that time of year when our northern seasonal visitors, aka Florida Snowbirds, begin to flock south to enjoy our warmer weather, abundant Florida sunshine, beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches and worry-free winter. But, before y’all leave your homes in Des Moines, Oshkosh, Ottawa and South Bend, here are a few things to keep in mind before you lock the door and walk away.

Hounchell Real Estate looks forward to having you here, and remind you that there’s never been a better time to buy that second home or vacation condo in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Spend the Winter in St. Petersburg, Florida

1. Plan ahead. If you’ve never left your home behind in search for Florida’s winter warmth, keep in mind that November through April are the busiest times of year for traffic, restaurants, shows, actually pretty much anything where you may have to wait. They’re also the best weather months. They’re a big part of why we live here. So now, put some thought to where you want to go and how long you want to stay. If you’ve never spent time in Florida you might consider splitting your time between two locations to taste the differences. We’re a bit partial to the west coast, especially the greater Tampa/St. Petersburg area.
2. Get a checkup. Be sure you’re in good enough health to make the drive south. Also, be sure to bring enough of your medications to last through your stay. If you must get your medications while here, be sure to bring your prescriptions. And make sure you’re up to date on any immunizations you may need. Consider getting a flu shot before you head out.
3. Get your paperwork in order. Make sure your important documents, i.e. investment reports, wills, etc., are updated and secure, and have a close friend or family member who knows where to find them in case they’re needed at a moment’s notice.
4. Copy your travel documents. My wife and I always make two photocopies of all our travel documents, passports (make sure they’re up to date), credit cards (check expiration dates), etc. We keep one copy with us, and leave the other copy with a close friend or family member in case something is lost or stolen.
5. Travel insurance. For real peace of mind, travel insurance can’t be beat. It’s relatively inexpensive, and it provides you with coverage for cancellations or sickness. Most plans also cover irritating things like lost bags, and even a helicopter rescue if you’re planning on climbing Mt. Dora.
6. Pack smart. Remember, you’re coming to the tropics, so you don’t need that much. Chances are you’ll also be staying where there are laundry facilities. You can do a load or two on the ride down if need be. Keep in mind that you don’t need to buy all your shampoo, razor blades and Comet cleanser before you leave. Buy that stuff here; our local businesses will appreciate it.
7. Prepare your home. Have your mail forwarded, or arrange for it to be picked up and sent to you. Put your newspaper delivery on vacation. Clean out your refrigerator. Unplug your appliances and install light timers. If you’re home security system needs a check up, have it done now in case something needs to be done.
8. Share your plans. Make sure your friends and family know where you’re going (if indeed you want them to know), where you’ll be staying and how to get in touch with you in case of an emergency. At the very least, telling your friends in Buffalo that you’re “wintering” in Florida will make them turn purple with envy.

While you are here and are interested in seeing what is available within the St. Petersburg, Tampa real estate market, contact us.  We are the area’s leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets throughout the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Contact Chris Hounchell today at 727-642-9107.

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Boca Ciega Millennium Park Boardwalk

Visit Florida’s Pinellas County Parks            Get Out There!

Hounchell Real Estate recommends a few of our family’s favorite local Pinellas County parks.

One of the many things that make Florida’s Pinellas County a great place to call home is the wealth of parks and preserves that dot our area. The county’s Parks and Conservation Resource department maintains over 20,000 acres of parkland and preserves, many of which include picnic shelters, camping, playgrounds, boat ramps, hiking and biking trails, all of which are open to the public.

Here are just three of the over 20 Pinellas County parks to check out with your family. We’ll detail other county parks in future posts.

Boca Ciega Millennium Park
12410 74^th Ave. N. (Old Oakhurst Rd.), Seminole

Download Map

Boca Ciega Millennium Park in Seminole has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the 35-foot observation tower for excellent views of Boca Ciega Bay. The park is known for its birding, its use of native plants in landscaping, and fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age.

Amenities:

• Bay fishing access
• Canoe launch
• 1.5 acre dog park
• 35-foot observation tower
• .25-mile nature trail
• Boardwalks
• Playgrounds
• Restrooms
• Picnic shelters
• Bicycle/Walking paths

Eagle Lake Park in Largo, Florida

Eagle Lake Park
1800 Keene Road, Largo

Download Map

Eagle Lake Park in Largo was once utilized for cattle grazing and growing citrus. Today, the 163-acre park has been restored to its natural habitat using 100 percent native plants and is home to fox squirrels, a variety of bird species, gopher tortoises and water turtles.

Amenities:

• Picnic shelters
• Restrooms
• Playground
• Dog park
• Paved recreation trail
• Shelled walking paths
• 2,000 feet of boardwalks over restored wetlands
• Fishing

Fort DeSoto Beach, Pinellas County, Florida

Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde

Download Map

No parks and preserves discussion would be complete without a mention of Fort De Soto Park, Pinellas County’s largest park. This 1,136-acre collection of five interconnected islands is a diverse ecosystem offering pristine beaches, nearly 300 species of birds, nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles, an abundance of sea life, historic Fort De Soto and it was named America’s Top Beach in 2009 by Trip Advisor.

Amenities:

• Historic Fort De Soto
• 7+ miles of waterfront
• White sandy beaches
• Boat launching and docks
• Camping
• Picnic Shelters
• Restrooms
• Playgrounds
• Two public swimming centers
• Fishing piers
• Ferry service to Egmont Key
• Concessions
• 6.8 mile recreation trail
• 2.25 mile canoe trail
• Nature trails
• Dog Park

Hounchell Real Estate-RE/MAX Metro is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the Pinellas County area. Contact Chris Hounchell today at 727-642-9107.

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What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Mmmm, what’s that cooking in the oven? Is that turkey? And stuffing? And, are those sweet potatoes baking away with a thick layer of marshmallow on top? Are those pecan and pumpkin pies for us? Is it dinnertime yet?

For many of us, Thanksgiving conjures up Norman Rockwell-like visions of family and friends gathered around a table filled with tasty things to eat, great conversation, lots of laughter, and of course, football.

Celebrate and Give Thanks on Thursday, November 24^th this year.

My wife and I have a great deal to be thankful for. New home, a daughter who never ceases to amaze us with her inquisitiveness and the joy she brings to our family, overall good health, good friends and a future filled with promise.

Let’s not lose the essence of what Thanksgiving means. Take a moment during your holiday to thank the people who are most important to you for being in your life, and for all the wonderful things they bring to your life. Give thanks for your health, and wish those around you good health in the coming year.

And remember, there are many around us right now who are not nearly as fortunate as we might be. Spend some time doing something that will make their day special, as well.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Chris Hounchell, Hounchell Real Estate-RE/MAX Metro Broker Associate.

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In north St. Petersburg,Florida  there’s a neighborhood quite unlike any other you’ll find in the greater Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Harbor Isle, bounded by 72^nd Avenue Northeast to the south, 14^th Street Northeast and 75^th Circle Northeast to the west, 18^th Street Northeast to the east and Bayou Grande to the north, is a quiet waterfront community with its own interior lake and easy boating access to Tampa Bay.

First platted in the 1970’s, Harbor Isle contains 218 single-family homes constructed primarily by well-known builders Rutenberg, Sibley and Bruce/Williams, and offers great value in today’s real estate market. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, or are a boater dreaming of uncomplicated access to Tampa Bay sunsets, Harbor Isle is well worth your consideration.

Views of Tampa Bay & Weedon Island State Preserve

And talk about protected views, just to the north and the east across Bayou Grande is the Weedon Island State Preserve, a pristine 15,000-acre conservation area filled with an abundance of fish and other wildlife that populate the wetlands and estuaries of the region. The Preserve provides miles and miles of kayak and canoe trails, meandering walking/hiking trails, lovely picnic areas, a 45-foot observation tower with commanding views of Tampa Bay, a variety of fishing and a chance to go back in time to a simpler, quieter Tampa Bay era.

Interstate 275 and other major traffic arteries make getting to the lively downtown area of St. Petersburg a snap, while the sugar white sands of Redington Beach, Madeira Beach and Treasure Island are an easy drive to the west.

Downtown Tampa and all the city has to offer, major shopping malls, an assortment of golf courses and Tampa International Airport are merely minutes away.

Chris Hounchell is an expert in buying and selling Harbor Isle real estate. Hounchell Real Estate-RE/MAX Metro is the leader in general real estate, pre-foreclosure, short sale and foreclosure markets in the greater Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Contact Chris today at 727-642-9107.

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