Chris Hounchell REALTOR

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

3 Benefits to Being a Florida Resident

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Considering a move to Florida? We have three great benefits of being a Florida resident.

Your Money

Florida law is protective of its residents’ money and assets. It is one of the seven states in the nation that do not have an income tax. There are also no state inheritance tax, no state estate tax, and no gift tax. An appeal for many business persons and celebrities is asset protection provided by Florida law. Asset protection extends well past a person’s primacy residence. The “Save Our Homestead” program protects homeowners from experience an annual increase in property assessments of more than three percent.

Entertainment

Tourism is a huge portion of Florida’s economy with Disney, Universal, and Busch Gardens properties being some of the biggest draws. Theme parks aren’t just for tourists though and being a Florida resident gets you some awesome perks including resident pricing, ample time to visit the parks, and the benefits of season passes for multiple visits. There’s also the benefits of visiting the parks during slow times like weekdays and the off season.

In addition to the theme parks, Florida’s entertainment also includes outdoor activities such as golf, water sports, tennis, and activities within state and national parks. Florida is also hosts numerous ports for cruises to numerous destinations.

3 Benefits to Being a Florida Resident

The Weather

They don’t call us the “Sunshine State” for no reason. Florida has long been a destination for those chasing seventy degrees. While it may not be seventy degrees year-round, Florida does boast a warm and sunny climate. The winters are mild with the occasional cold snap. The spring and summers are hot and humid, with coastal areas like Tampa Bay being more temperate than inland areas.

Ready to Become a Florida Resident?

It’s relatively easy to become a Florida resident. Once you’ve settled on a home, you need to file a Declaration of Domicile, this is especially important if you spend part of the year in another location. Obtaining a Florida driver’s license and registering your vehicles with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles are the next steps in establishing your residency. Finally, update your voter registration and all your tax documentation to reflect your new Florida location.

Choosing a Home After Retirement

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Retirement doesn’t mean that it’s the twilight of a person’s life anymore. Many people are living well into their eighties and nineties while maintaining active lifestyles. According to a survey by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, two-thirds of retirees desired to move after retirement with the reasons ranging from “being closer to family”and “reducing living expenses”. If you’re ready to move after you’ve retired, what should you look for in a new home?

Choosing-a-Home-After-Retirement

Location, location, location.

Florida is often associated with snowbirds and retirees because of it’s moderate weather year round and it is a large attraction to many retirees, especially those who have spent the majority of their lives in areas that deal with snow and cold temperatures for a good portion of the year. Besides favorable weather, many retirees want to be closer to their families and friends or a place that will allow them time to enjoy a hobby or passion that they didn’t necessarily have time for while working.

Consider the future.

With the average full retirement age ranging between sixty-two and sixty-five and an increase in life expectancy, retirees have two or three decades to take advantage of that time frame. This next stage in their lives should be a large consideration when finding a new home. Down-sizing is a common practice, with retirees wanting to avoid higher housing costs and home maintenance that takes excessive time and effort. On the flip side, other retirees are seeking out larger homes to accommodate visiting family and friends. Retirees should also consider the logistics of owning a multi-story home with stairs possibly becoming problematic as they get older.

The cost.

The majority of retirees live off a fixed income. When choosing where to live, retirees should not only think about the cost of a home but also the cost of living expenses, healthcare, and taxes in a particular area. Pensions and social security are not taxable in Florida making it a financial ideal for retirees. The idea of home ownership is also something that retirees may want to consider retiring from. Depending on the area, renting may be less expensive than owing a home but retirees don’t have to sacrifice a home for the option to rent; many investors are looking for stable tenants ready to make their property a home.

Whatever your goals for retirement are, don’t feel like you need to settle. The perfect place to meet all of your wants and needs is out there!

This post was originally published July 2015. It has since been updated to reflect current information and edited for clarity.

Tips for Successful House Hunting

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Home buying can seem like a daunting process and while it is a large financial and emotional undertaking it doesn’t need to be as daunting as some would have you think. Starting your house hunting off on the right foot can make all the difference between smooth and successful and frustrating and tedious.

What’s the reason for your move?

Moving isn’t the same. Different reasons for the move determine a myriad of things like your timeline, options, type of home you’re searching for, and your budget. Once you figure out what your reason is and share that reason with your Realtor, you’ll be in a better place to start your search.

Know thy budget.

We’ve said it multiple times before but before you ever set out to looking for a new home, you should know what your budget is and have a pre-approval for a mortgage in hand. The amount you are pre-approved for a mortgage doesn’t necessarily mean that is your budget. You need to determine what a comfortable monthly payment is for your financial situation. From there you’ll need to take into account not only a property’s sale price but also items like taxes and insurance.

Tips for Successful House Hunting

What really matters to you?

There’s no such thing as a perfect house. There is always going to be an aspect about a property that you dislike and will want to change and that’s okay. Deciding what your deal breaker items are is important. Try to limit your must have list to five items and let your Realtor sort through listings that meet these qualifications. Also don’t discount a house on sight alone. It may have the things you really want and the cosmetic hang-ups can be changed.

What’s your timeline?

Are you selling one home and buying another? Has your current home gone under contract yet? Are you looking to be in a new school district in time for classes to start? Are you a first time Buyer with a flexible schedule? These are points to consider when you go to make an offer and negotiate a closing date. Most listings will include a closing time frame that the Sellers are looking for, your Realtor can find this information in the multiple listing service or by calling the listing agent directly.

These tips aren’t rocket science but they are a good foundation on which to start you home search.

How to Run a Successful Garage Sale

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One of the big things we stress with all of our listings is to “stage” a home. Staging requires you to clear out many of your personal effects and items that to you make the home looked lived in but to potential Buyers may it look cluttered. The best advice we’ve heard when it comes to deciding what you should do with that “stuff” is to ask yourself if you’ll keep it, sell it, or trash it.

When it comes to the “sell it” things, we’ve all heard the saying “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure”. There’s a huge resurgence in the idea of upcycling and a demand for vintage items. Many people are getting back into the garage sale method of selling items they no longer want and cashing in on the demand. But a garage sale can be a waste of time if you don’t take the right steps. So how do you set yourself up for a successful garage sale?

Do Your Research

First find out if you can have a garage sale on your property. Some homeowner’s and condominium associations may restrict garage sales. Likewise, municipalities may have restrictions on the days you host, where you hold it, and may even require you to purchase a permit.

Research the market price for many of your big ticket items such as furniture, electronic equipment, tools, etc. You don’t want to price yourself out of the market before you even set up.

Pick Your Day and Time

A good day can be a deciding factor in the success of your garage sale. Garage sales used to be held on weekends only but they are starting to trend to include Thursday and Friday afternoons as well. Avoid holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Be mindful of when your local schools are hosting graduation ceremonies and consider avoiding those dates as well. Consider also when people get paid. Is there a large local employer that pays on the 15th and 30th of each month? Schedule your sale for the weekend immediately following pay day.

Just like a party, set an end time so you don’t have stranglers at your house until it’s dark or worse people knocking on your door well after you’ve closed up shop.

Successful Garage Sale

Advertise

It used to be that garage sales were only advertised in the newspaper for a few days immediately before the sale date. If a seller was feeling motivated they would put flyers up around the neighborhood. With the advent of the social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and Craig’s List, a seller can advertise to more people within a geographic area and target people looking for specific items. The best part about all three of these methods is they’re free! Don’t overlook the more traditional avenues of advertising though. Places like grocery stores and libraries may also have neighborhood bulletin boards that you may be able to place a flyer on.

Get Organized and Get Prepared

Now comes the most tedious part of any garage sale: physically preparing for it. You should have like items grouped together. Price tags should be affixed to the item or a sign near as possible to the item in question. Some people hand write each price tag, others buy the pre-typed tags at a dollar or office supply store, still others go by a color code system with each color assigned a price. Figure out what system you want to use and stick to it.

Set up all of your items ahead of time so on the day of your sale all you need to do is open up your garage door or pull out your tables into your driveway, yard, or sidewalk.

One of the most overlooked items needed for a garage sale is money. Make sure you have enough variety of bills and coinage to make proper change.

The Day Of

Be ready to meet an assortment of people. As more people start shopping, get up and walk around. It may help a person to ask questions about an item they’re considering and it may help deter shoplifters. You should also be prepared to negotiate on many items or know which ones are non-negotiable.

Keep your money to close to you at all times and secure large amounts of money inside your home instead of carrying them on your person or storing it in a money box out in the open.

At the end of your sale, filter through the items you have left and decide what you will do with them. Will you try to sell through online venues or will you donate them to a charity?

A successful garage sale isn’t something you can put together overnight but it is worth the effort when you’re able to clear out unwanted items from your house and make a tidy profit.

 

Martinis for Moffitt 2017

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It’s that time of the year again! It’s time to start planning to attend Martinis for Moffitt, a charity event hosted by the Bay Area Advisors.

Martinis for Moffitt 2017

What is Martinis for Moffitt?

This year marks the twelfth annual event that raises money for the Moffitt Cancer Center. Hosted by the Bay Area Advisor, of which I am a member, Martinis for Moffitt is an adult evening featuring an open bar, butlered hors d’ouevres, food stations, entertainment, raffles, and a silent auction. There are also plenty of opportunities to network with over 1,000 attendees expected. This year it’s David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts along the Hillsborough River in Tampa.

What is the Moffitt Cancer Center?

Located in Tampa, the Moffitt Cancer Center is a premier facility specializing in the treatment of cancer and research dedicated to finding preventative measures and cures for a variety of cancers. It is one of the largest blood and bone marrow transplant centers in the Southeastern United States and continually ranks as one of the “Best Hospitals” by U.S. News and World Reports. In addition to it’s medical goals, it is also a large, locally based employer; employing over 4,000 people spread across four corporate entities.

Is there a goal for this year’s fundraiser?

We aim to out perform the previous year. Since it’s inception, Martinis for Moffitt has raised almost $800,000 to benefit the Moffitt Cancer Center. In 2015 & 2016, we have directed the funds raised to the Advanced Prostate Cancer Collaboration initiative at Moffitt Cancer Center. In 2016, the Bay Area Advisors added the Moffitt’s Adolescent and Young Adult Program as an additional beneficiary. Both of these worthy causes will be the focus of our fundraising efforts again this year.

How do I attend?

I thought you’d never ask! It’s easy! The event is Saturday, July 22, 2017 and begins at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online through the Martinis for Moffitt website.

Anything else I should know?

This is an adults only event, so schedule the babysitter ASAP so you don’t miss out on this fun night. Cocktail dress is required. Come ready to have fun for a great cause!

Buying a Historic Home? Consider These 4 Things

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Many outsiders call to mind images of multi-story condos and mid-century ranch style homes when they think of Florida architecture. And while these styles are prevalent in the Florida real estate market, there are quite a number of historic homes within our communities. These homes are pieces of living history and are bought and sold every year. If you’re planning on buying a historic home or one unexpectedly swept you off your feet, consider a few points before you sign the agreement of sale and put down a deposit.

What makes a home historic?

Age alone doesn’t determine if a home has “historic” status. A home is only considered officially historic if it is part of the National Registry of Historic Places or part of a similar local registry or homes that are located within a designated historic district. These homes will have historic easements attached to their titles that places certain conditions and obligations to all current and future owners.

How much does a historic home cost and how can I finance one?

The value of a historic home is just like any other property, it is dependent on a myriad of factors including the size, condition, and location. A historic home is excellent condition in a desirable area could end up costing more than a more recently constructed home. Financing is again determinant upon a number of conditions. If the home is move-in ready, securing financing may be as simple as financing any other home. If the home needs extensive repairs however, you may not be able to secure a conventional, FHA, or VA loan. There are other options available though include a 203k mortgage or a Fannie Mae HomeStyle rehab mortgage.

Ready to Buy a Historic Home? Consider There 4 Things

Historic gem in St. Pete we helped sell in 2015.

Is it difficult owning a historic home?

Owning a historic home does come with unique requirements based on the historic easement. Things like paint colors and landscaping may be dictated within the easement restrictions. When repairs need to be made you may be required to repair with materials from the home’s original era, which can be pricey if the item is large or a rare find. Utility bills may be higher depending on the type of fuel needed to heat the home, the quality and level of insulation, and if the home can be efficiently cooled.

What are the benefits of buying a historic home?

There are some surprising benefits to owning an official historic home. Many states and local municipalities offer tax incentives either in the form of lower property taxes and/or low-interest loans or grants to aid repairs that protect the historic aspects of the home. Buyers may also find that historic homes offer unique architecture and amenities newer homes no longer offer. If you purchase a home on the National Registry of Historic Places you may be able to write off the cost of repairs on your tax return. You should contact the National Park Service and your accountant to see if your home qualifies.

If you’ve fallen in love with a home that’s older than most don’t let the “historic” designation scare you off. With the right amount of due diligence you could own a piece of history that is also the home of your dreams.

Historic Hyde Park Tampa Real Estate

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Hyde Park is renown as Tampa’s sophisticated, upscale historic neighborhood that refuses to remain quietly in the past.

Hyde Park’s Beginning

In the midst of Tampa’s harrowing 1886 yellow fever epidemic, which put a strangle hold on every facet of the city’s economy, railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant announced his vision for the development of farmland and citrus groves on the west side of the Hillsborough River adjacent to what is now the city’s center. At the time, the only access to the area destined to become Tampa’s Hyde Park was by ferry.

Plant possessed a strong reputation for results and the City of Tampa recognized an opportunity that might not knock twice. Very quickly, the city approved the construction of a bridge across the river at Lafayette Street (now Kennedy Boulevard), which is where Plant proposed to build a grand resort, the Tampa Bay Hotel. Suddenly, the land west of the river was accessible, and development, including the construction of a streetcar line, quickly followed.

By 1910, the groves had all been subdivided. During the 15-year period between 1913 and 1928, the area bustled with development. Simple two-story, wood frame homes soon gave way to

Hyde Park

photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

impressive revival-style (Queen Anne, Colonial, Tudor, Classical and even French and Mediterranean) residences that began to set the architectural styles of what would become today’s Hyde Park.

Home building began to slow when Florida’s real estate boom hit the skids in 1924. By the time the stock market crashed in 1929, building in Hyde Park was at a standstill.

Expanding Hyde Park

After the Depression, construction picked up again and followed the trend for smaller homes. However, World War II, and building that shifted toward the north and west created a stop-start construction environment in Hyde Park that lasted into the 1970s and 1980s when historic preservation gained popularity, which helped restart development again.

It is this stop-start development history, during which architectural styles came in and out of favor, that gives Hyde Park the diversity we see today, and what makes it one of the most desirable neighborhoods throughout the St. Petersburg – Tampa area.

Today, Hyde Park is bounded by Hillsborough Bay to the east, Kennedy Boulevard to the north, Bayshore Boulevard to the east and south, and Armenia Avenue to the west. Two of the neighborhood’s main thoroughfares, Swann and Rome Avenues, had streetcars operating on them, which is why they are extra wide still today. And Bayshore Boulevard, at 4.5 miles, is claimed to be the longest continuous sidewalk in the world.

Hyde Park Village – The Heart Of Tampa’s High End Shopping And Dining

historic hyde park tampa real estate

On the edge of the Hyde Park neighborhood is Hyde Park Village, a seven-block collection of national, regional and local retailers, cinemas, bakeries and some of the finest restaurants in all of the Tampa Bay area. It’s one of the most popular entertainment destinations along the West Coast of Florida.

Near the end of October, Hyde Park Village stages their annual Art Fair, which attracts thousands of visitors during a two-day mainly outdoor extravaganza combining all that makes Hyde Park so special. And year-round on the first Sunday of each month, The Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village presents 50-70 vendors offering up the best in retail, food and entertainment.

Overseeing the continual development and redevelopment of Hyde Park is the all-volunteer Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association (HHPNA), a non-profit association charged with preserving the historical integrity and safety of the neighborhood.

If living in a highly diverse, historic neighborhood closely adjacent to downtown Tampa, and complete with one of the finest shopping and dining menus in all of Florida appeals to you, Hyde Park needs to be on the top of your list of communities to explore.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2014. It has since been edited to reflect updated information.

 

 

Fire Prevention & Safety Tips

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We look at our homes as our safe havens. It’s the place we go to protect ourselves from outside influences but there are dangers that lurk within the walls of our homes. Between the years 2010-2014, The National Fire Protection Association estimates one in every 338 homes reported a fire of some type. It can seem like preparing for something as unpredictable as fire is a fruitless endeavor and waste of time, we can tell you it’s not.

Get the Tools to Stay Safe

The easiest fire safety practice is installing smoke detectors in your home. Florida has recently updated it’s laws regarding smoke detector regulations. In one- and two-story residential dwellings, smoke detectors either need to be wired into the home’s electrical system or be fitted with a 10 year non-removable, non-replacable smoke detector. Homeowners are no longer allowed to use battery operated detectors. Installing smoke detectors isn’t enough though; homeowners are encouraged to test the detectors once a month and replace if found to be faulty or have past their expiration date (usually ten years).

Another easy and inexpensive step to take towards fire safety is purchasing fire extinguishers. Having at least one extinguisher on each floor of your home can help prevent a small fire from becoming an inferno or it can help residents make a safe exit from a burning home. All extinguishers aren’t the same though, you should purchase ones that are rated ABC. These types of extinguishers can smother fires with the most common sources of ignition.

Fire Prevention & Safety Tips

Take Preventative Steps

Fire prevention is also important. The most common causes of house fires are cooking and heating. Stove top fires are the most common cooking incidents, usually to due inattention. When cooking, be sure an adult is always present and actively monitoring the cooking. Keep your cooking elements free of foreign materials such as towels, paper, and utensils. Should a fire start, turn off the cooking elements. If a grease fire starts, use an ABC rated fire extinguisher or if one is not available smother the fire with baking soda. Do not spray a grease fire with water, it will only spread the fire. If food has burnt and caught fire, again reach for a fire extinguisher or attempt to smother the flames with baking soda or a pan lid.

Heating appliances are the second leading cause of household fires and most are due to lack of maintenance or improper use of the appliance. Yearly furnace inspections not only help your equipment stay running at peak performance and extend the life of the appliance but also help ensure mechanical issues are caught before becoming a fire hazard. Changing filters regularly can also keep the unit free from debris. If you need to use a portable heating unit be sure to keep it away from furniture, clothing, and decor and only use it when awake and within your immediate area.

Always Have a Plan

As with all of our articles on safety, developing a plan of action and practicing it with your family is the best way to stay safe. For a fire plan, each member of the house should know at least two ways to exit the home, where to meet other household members outside of the house, how to summon help, and what to do should they become trapped in a burning home. Each plan will be different depending on the house and its residents. Many fire departments are willing to help residents develop one or provide you with resources to do so.

A few inexpensive tools, some preparations, and general home maintenance can help keep you and your home safe. In the event of a fire, you’ll be prepared to escape as quickly as possible. Homes and property are replaceable, you and your family are not.

 

Tornado Safety

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Most people associate the Midwest and Plains states with being a prime area for tornadoes. But many are surprised to learn that Florida, especially the Tampa Bay area, can be a hot bed for tornadoes.  According to the Center of Science Education, the area sees an average of seven tornadoes per year per ten thousand square miles. In addition to flooding and wind damage, hurricanes and strong tropical thunderstorms can breed tornadoes.

Plan For a Tornado

Just like many of the safety tips we talk about, you should have a plan of action before the threat of a tornado every exists. Identifying the safest place in your home is the first step. The best place to be during a tornado is as low as possible. Most homes in Florida don’t have basements so the first floor is your best option. An interior room with no windows, such as a bathroom or even a closet, will provide you with the most protection from debris. If you are in a condominium or high rise building, a reinforced stairwell is your safest spot. If you live in a mobile home, you need to find a substantial structure that is easy to relocate to should a tornado threaten your area.

Be Aware During a Threat

Tornadoes strike with very little time for people to react that is why the National Weather Service developed Tornado Watches. A watch lets people know a specific area will experience weather that could be right for tornado development. During a watch, you want to monitor your local news or weather outlets. You can prepare your home by putting away or securing outside belongings such as patio furniture, potted plants, and trash cans. Don’t venture outside during a thunderstorm or hurricane to see if you can get a better look at the weather; you increase your cases of being injured by blowing debris or a possible lighting strike.

Tornado Safety Tips

A Tornado Is Imminent

If a tornado is indicated on radar or visual confirmation is made, the National Weather Service will issue a tornado warning for a specific area. If your area is listed you should immediately get to the location you planned as your safe place. Continue to listen to local news reports and only leave your designated safe place after you have been advised the threat has passed.

After a Tornado

If you are in area that’s been impacted by a tornado, keep your family together and away from debris and other threats such as downed power lines. Do not try to enter a damaged structure to retrieve any of your belongings. Also avoid smoking and using lighters or matches as their may be leaking natural gas in the area. Always listen and follow the direction of first responders and other officials.

While the chase of tornadoes is still relatively low in our area, being prepared for such an event gives you a better chance of staying safe should the situation arise.

Hurricane Safety: Before, During, & After

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Hurriance season is less than a month away. Until last year, it had been ten years since Florida was struck by a hurricane and that left many people complacent and unprepared for Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew . We’re about to bring you up to speed on what you should do before a hurricane ever forms and when the threat is imminent, and after.

Before a Hurricane

We’ve previously written a hurricane preparedness guide that covers what you should do prior to the threat of a hurricane. We recommend that you refresh yourself with these tips every year and take stock of your supplies, replenish those that have expired or been exhausted, and update your evacuation plans.

If a hurricane is targeting your area, heed the evacuation requirements from officials. If you don’t and need emergency assistance during the storm, you may not receive it until it’s safe for officials to respond. You should survey your property and secure any items that are loose and could become airborne due to high winds. Many property owners also board up or tape their windows. This isn’t just to prevent the windows from breaking but if they do break, shards of glass will be more readily contained. You’ll also want to fill up a bathtub with water. If water service is interrupted, you’ll be able to use the water to wash your hands or flush toilets.

Hurricane Safety

During a Hurricane

If you haven’t been ordered to evacuate or have ignored the call to do so, you should remain away from all windows and doors. Closing your blinds and curtains also will help prevent a spray of shattered glass should a window or door break during the storm.  It’s good practice to constantly monitor the current status of the storm and any changes to evacuation orders either through television or radio. Rain and high winds aren’t the only concerns with a hurricane; tornadoes are also spawned off of the storms and can form quickly. Interior and low-lying rooms are the safest place to be during this threat.

Hurricanes are two part storms. As the eye of the storm passes over your area, it can give the allusion that the storm has passed and it’s safe to venture outside. Under no circumstances other than direction from officials should you go outside during the calm of a hurricane. The eye can pass over the area quickly and leave you unprepared or unable to return to safety.

After a Hurricane

Connect with family and friends as soon as possible after a hurricane to inform them of your safety and your location. This will help lessen the concerned calls first responders receive from worried loved ones. If you’ve been evacuated from the area, you should only return after being instructed by officials.

Flooding is a concern during and after a hurricane. We have safety tips on how to deal with flooding.

You should schedule a professional to come inspect your home for any damage after a hurricane. Even a minor leak can cause severe damage later if left unnoticed or unresolved. If you need to file a claim with your insurance company, take picture of the damage and don’t discard anything unless directed to do so by your claim’s representative.

Even with the technology available to meteorologists today, hurricanes remain unpredictable forces of nature. We hope these tips for before, during, and after a hurricane keep you and your family safe.