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Grace Hughes
REALTOR®
    Years of Experience: 6

    GRI: Graduate REALTOR® Institute
    e-Pro Certified
    Loss Mitigation Specialist

Direct: (904) 233-1341

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Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners
Jacksonville, FL

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Posts Tagged ‘Jacksonville Beach Home Buying Process’

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More Free and Easy Fix-ups To Sell Your Home For Top Dollar In Jacksonville Florida

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Ideas for Inside the Home that are Free and Easy Fix-ups to Help Sell Your Home For Top Dollar in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach, Florida:

1.  Clean everything in and out of sight.  Shampoo rugs and wax floors.  Wash or brush walls.  Wash windows and clean blinds and draperies.

2.  Straighten up the clutter in the closets and cupboards to get the best return on investment.

3.  Create space by storing some of the extra furniture, like bookcases, storage chests, over-sized chairs, etc.

4.  Placing remaining furniture so the traffic can flow easily from room to room will help you  get top dollar for your home.

5.  Keep shades and draperies open, to admit as much light as possible.

6.  Keep your kitchen warm and welcoming by keeping the sink shining and free of dirty dishes at all times.

7. Clean the refrigerator and keep the kitchen counter tops clean and neat, but not empty.  Show off only your best canister set.

8.  Completely degrease your oven and keep the area smelling fresh as possible.

9.  Removing  dust and debris from all light fixtures will help bring top dollar for your home.

10. Keep bathrooms scrubbed and tidy with a fresh supply of soap, towels and tissue.   Install new washers, if needed, and get rid of all stains.

To get top dollar for your home you may have to put in some extra work, however, it will pay off in the long run.  If you need to sell your home in the Greater Jacksonville area and need additional advise, feel free to call me direct at 904-233-1341, or my email is: gracehughesjax@gmail.com.  To find all homes for sale and listed on the area MLS go to www.FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com.  Go to the Property Search Page.

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Posted in Selling Your Home | No Comments »

You Could Loose Thousands If You Don’t Know What to Inspect When BUYING A HOME

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

WHAT DOES A HOME INSPECTOR DO? For your own safety, and to make sure you’re not going to have any surprise repair expenses when you buy a home, using a professional home inspector is highly recommended.

A home inspector will check a home’s plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical systems, plus look for structural problems, check the basement and roof for water leakage, and look at the exterior and interior finishes throughout the property.

So before you sign any written offer to buy a home, make sure that it includes an inspection clause or other language that says that your offer is conditional upon having a satisfactory home inspection.  A seller may be willing to renegotiate a price to accommodate needed repairs, or you may decide that the home will take too much work and money.  A professional inspection will help you make a clear-headed decision before you buy a home.

Plus, you can get answers to many questions and tips for maintenance and a lot of general information that will help you after you buy the home.   Most important, you’ll see the home through the eyes of an objective third party before you buy.

Items on your inspection report should include…

- FOUNDATIONS, BASEMENTS, AND STRUCTURES
Basement floor and walls, proper drainage and ventilation, evidence of water seepage.

- EXTERIOR SIDING, WINDOWS, DOORS
Exterior walls, windows, and doors; porches, decks, and balconies; garage.

- ROOF
Roof type and material, condition of gutters and downspouts.

- INTERIOR PLUMBING SYSTEM
Hot and cold water systems; the waste system and sewage disposal; water pressure and flow; and hot water equipment.

- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Type of service, the number of circuits, type of protection, outlet grounding, and the load balance.

- CENTRAL HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM
Energy sources, heating equipment, age, capacity, and distribution.

- INTERIOR WALLS, CEILINGS, FLOORS, WINDOWS, AND DOORS
Wall, floors, ceilings, stairways, cabinets, and countertops

- STRUCTURAL, INSULATION, AND VENTILATION INFORMATION

- FIREPLACE
Notes about the chimney, damper, and masonry and cleaning.

- GARAGE
Doors, walls, floor, opener.

- APPLIANCES
Including a wide range of built-in and other home appliances, smoke detectors and television/cable hookups.

- LOT AND LANDSCAPING
Ground slope away from foundation, condition of walks, steps, driveway.

Are there any other inspections I need to have done before buying a home? In addition to the overall inspection, depending upon the neighborhood where you’re buying, you may wish to have a separate test conducted to check for termites and radon gas.

If you need the assistance of someone that has experience working with Inspectors and home owners, feel free to email me at gracehughesjax@gmail.com for assistance, or my direct line is 904-233-1341.  Or if there is other critical information you need to know, feel free to give me a call for a free consultation.

My web site where you can find any home listed in the Northeast Florida MLS is located at the following link: www.FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com.  Go to the Property Search page.

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Posted in Buying a Home | 1 Comment »

Buying A Home in Jacksonville or Beaches area of Florida? There Are A Lot of Questions You Need to Ask Before Making That Purchase…

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Here are just a few I suggest to my clients…

What is the neighborhood (and your neighbors) like?

Are there certain area features that would affect the value of this property in the future?

What are the realty taxes on the home?   What are the utilities?

What home repairs have been made in the past three years?

How far do I have to travel for schools, public transit, and shopping?

What major repair expenses do I have to look forward to within the next three to five years?

What is the traffic flow in front of or near the property…any main roads, bus routes, etc.?

Are there any utility easements or encroachments over the property?

Is there a fairly recent survey that shows all the buildings and additions on the property?

There are so many things one should check before making a home purchase.  I can send you my complete list if you would like.  Or, if there are any of the above questions that you don’t have a clear answer to – call me, and I will see what I can do to find the answers for you.

All my services come with a satisfaction guarantee – and are completely free of charge to you.  My job is to have you fully informed before you make a costly buying decision!  My #904-233-1341 or my web site where you can go to find all listings in the five county Northeast Florida area which includes Jacksonville Beach and the other beaches.  Go to www.FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com.  Then to the Property Search Page.

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Posted in Buy a House, Homes | No Comments »

First Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit For Military Personnel, Foreign Service. Intelligence Officers Extended

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

The House of Representatives voted unanimously to extend the deadline for the First Time Home Buyers’ tax credit for one group of Americans so far.   HR 3590 will allow eligible military personnel and foreign service and intelligence officers to apply for the $8,000 tax credit for one year beyond its current November 30 deadline. Those meeting the underlying requirements for the credit must also be serving overseas or have spent at least 90 days deployed outside of the country during the current calendar year.  It is expected that about 350,000 military personnel and an unknown number of federal employees may be affected by the new law.

The bill was introduced by Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY) because it was thought that families serving overseas were being passed over for this one-time opportunity to  purchase a home.  It passed the House with 416 votes and 16 abstentions.

So if you are military personnel, foreign service or an intelligence officer on your way to Jacksonville Beach or Jacksonville, Florida area, the Atlantic, Neptune or Ponte Vedra Beach areas, after having been deployed,  and are planning to purchase your first home (or you haven’t purchased within the last three years) between now and November 30, 2010;  give me a call,  or send a quick email.  I’ll be honoured to work with you, and I can give you information about how to claim up to 10% of the cost of your home, up to $8,000,  as a First Time Home Buyer tax credit.

My web site where you can find homes in the area is www.FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com.  Go to the Property Search Page.  It will take you to a map of Jacksonville where you can choose the area you prefer.  To send me an email: gracehughesjax@gmail.com.

My blog is: http://inside-real-estate.com/jacksonville-beach-fl.  I cover most areas of Jacksonville and the beaches and will make recommendations about all six counties.  Call with questions Direct at 904-233-1341.

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Posted in First Time Home Buyer | 2 Comments »

Before You Purchase That Dream Home In Jacksonville Florida There Are A Few Things You Should Know

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Actually there are many things you need to know about a home before you make a purchase, and here are “just a few” of the questions you need to have answered before moving forward with that purchase of a home:

  • What is the neighborhood (and your neighbors) like?  Are there certain area features that would affect the value of this property after you buy or in the future?
  • What are the realty taxes on the home and what are the costs of utilities?
  • What home repairs have been made in the past three years?
  • How far do I have to travel for schools, public transit, and shopping?
  • What major repair expenses do I have to look forward to after the purchase or within two years after purchase?
  • Are there any utility easements or encroachments over the property?
  • Is there a fairly recent survey that shows all the buildings and additions on the property?
  • Has the property had a Home Inspection done when the present owners bought that you could check to see what minor and major problems there were?  Have your Realtor ask for a list of these problems, if there were any.
  • Has the homeowner signed a Property Disclosure statement?

My goal is to have you fully informed before you make a costly home buying decision! If there are any of the above questions that you don’t have a clear answer to for any home in Jacksonville you are considering purchasing – call me, and I will see what I can do to find the answers for you.  All of my services come with a satisfaction guarantee – and are completely free of charge to you.  If you would like a “Complete” list of questions to ask, please respond by email to gracehughesjax@gmail.com or call direct to 904-233-1341 and leave a message, or send a message with a blog entry.  My web site: http://FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com.  (more…)

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Posted in Buy Condominium, Buy a House, First Time Home Buyer, Homes, Homes for Sale, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent | 5 Comments »

Jacksonville Beaches Living – Ocean Views – Spacious “Florida” Terrace Home With Awesome Views!

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
NEW CONSTRUCTION, RED OAK FLOORS, GRANITE & MANY UPGRADES!

NEW CONSTRUCTION, RED OAK FLOORS, GRANITE & MANY UPGRADES!

BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOME!  -  3 bedroom  -  3 baths                              $ 590,000
2300+ SQ FT   Granite – Wood Floors - Open Flr Plan
Florida Terrace – Stucco – Garage
NORTH BEACH  in Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
mls #463698
New construction town home in the heart of the beaches with ocean and beach views.  Real gourmet island kitchen w/ custom cabinets, granite counters & lots of high end finishes through out. Red oak wood flooring & stairs.  Spacious ”Florida” terrace with great ocean views. This is not your typical town home, open floor plan w/ unique features & upgrades!

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Posted in Homes, Homes for Sale, Luxury Homes, MLS, MLS Service | No Comments »

OCEANFRONT CONDOMINIUM HOME – JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FLORIDA at 2002 price of $524,500!!

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

waterford-condominiums-1221-north-1st-street-jax-beach- OCEAN FRONT CONDOMINIUM IN JACKSONVILLE BEACH FLORIDA AT A GREAT PRICE FOR “ANY” OCEANFRONT HOME OR CONDO!- GREAT BUY FOR SECOND HOME BUYER, TOO  -

-  3 BEDROOM – 2 BATH CONDO HOME - End Unit  $524,500

- OCEANFRONT VIEWS From Every Room - 1700 Square Feet -

- Beautifully appointed - with Granite, Marble & Wood - mls#474862

- The Waterford Condominiums at Jacksonville Beach, Florida

- Call Grace Hughes, Realtor, GRI, e-Pro, LMC with EXIT Real Estate Gallery - 904-233-1341 or email at gracehughesjax@gmail.com.  See all MLS Listings at: http;//www.FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com

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Posted in Condos, MLS, TOWN HOME | No Comments »

1st Time Home Buyer Deadline Free Money-Must Close by Nov 30,2009

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

THE DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE OR TAX CREDIT FOR “FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS” DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING!

Thinking about buying your first home!  Act today and the Federal Government will give you free money in the form of a tax credit or down payment!  As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S housing market and address the economic challenges of our nation, Congress passed legislation that grants a tax credit to “First Time Home Buyers” up to $8,000, if you purchase that home… soon!  So if you are looking in the Beaches area of Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach or Jacksonville Beach, it’s time to purchase that home.  Let me tell you how!

You have until Nov 30, THAT’S NOVERBER 30TH, 2009 to arrange financing, look at homes, make an offer, purchase the home, and close the transaction.  To qualify as a “first time home buyer”, the buyer or his or her spouse may not have owned a home during the three years prior to purchasing the home.  This “first time home buyer” credit applies to single-family homes, condos, townhomes and co-ops.

The maximum allowable credit is $8,000 and is determined by two factors:

One: The buyer’s income – Single buyers with income up to $75,000, and married couples with an income up to $150,000.

Two: The purchase price – The credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home up to $8,000.

The credit is reduced if your income exceeds these limits; however, there is a credit.  Check with your accountant to learn the exact amount.  The buyer does not need to repay the credit, if she/or he occupies the home for three years or more.  However, if the property is sold during the three year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

Call or email me to get started toward making that home buying purchase! You can also go to my web site to search for homes in the Greater Jacksonville MLS area, including Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach and Neptune Beach.

My email is: gracehughesjax@gmail.com.  All MLS Listings and homes for sale: http://FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com Call me at 904-233-1341

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Posted in First Time Home Buyer | No Comments »

ARE YOU “UNDERWATER” WITH YOUR MORTGAGE? OWE MORE THAN YOU CAN SELL YOUR HOME FOR IN THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE MARKET?

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

First quarter data from 2009 reflects that 20% (Zillow.com) of all homeowners in the United States are in this situation. Being underwater is a term used meaning, if you were to sell your home in today’s real estate market, you would need to bring money to the closing table, unless your lender agrees to take less than is owed.  Some areas of the states including California, Las Vegas, Nevada and two areas of Florida indicate even higher numbers than 20%.  The local Jacksonville, Florida market sales data reflects about forty to fifty percent of all sales are either homes in the Short Sale process (pre-foreclosure) or they are bank owned, the foreclosure has already taken place.  Then it is called an REO property.
So what should you do if you are nearing this situation?  You have lost your job, have to transfer to get a better job, getting a divorce, or in any situation that will impact your income negatively?

First, call your lender immediately and explain exactly what is happening with your financial situation.  Banks will sometimes go for a loan modification, however, they are less likely to do this if you have already missed payments.  Additionally many loss mitigation specialists or loan work-out specialists are over- loaded with files due to the market as it is.  So it will take some persistence and negotiating on your part, and possibly on the part of an experienced real estate agent to get their attention and reach an agreement.  However, do persist even if there is a slight chance they will work out some kind of settlement.  It is better than having a foreclosure on your credit report.
Currently I have several listings in the Short Sale process, so if you are needing someone to talk with about the Short Sale process, feel free to give me a call.  The price in your area or neighborhood will reflect whether the sale price will be lower than the dollar amount you owe on your property.   I can do the research and let you know the area market price.  I can also help you make contact with the lender to see how they will respond to a Short Sale process being put in place.

You can reach me by clicking on the blog entry box to the right to send a message or send an email to gracehughesjax@gmail.com.  Call me at 904-233-1341 with questions.

My web site is: http://FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com.

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Posted in Appraisal, Foreclosure Property, Foreclosures, Homes, Housing Market, Questions and Answers, Real Estate, Short Sales | 6 Comments »

Short Sales or Foreclosures or any Home? It is a great time to buy a home in Jacksonville, Florida!

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

With Interest Rates Low and a Good Selection of Homes, It’s A Great Time to Purchase a Home in Jacksonville Beach and the greater Jacksonville, Florida area!

The National Association of Realtors reports pending home sales show a sustained uptrend rising for four consecutive months with very favorable housing affordability and a First Time Home Buyer credit boosting activity.  The last time there were four consecutive monthly gains was in October of 2004.  The NAR chief economist said, “Rises in contract activity show buyers are becoming more active, even as they face much more stringent loan underwriting standards.”

Some buyers are purchasing Short Sale homes that are being sold for less than the amount owed on the property.  If your agent approaches the distressed homeowner of any Short Sale property with sensitivity to their situation this improves the odds an agreement can be reached and helps the lender because the lender can remove a non-productive asset or potential foreclosure from their books.  There is also a better chance one can negotiate to get repair cost covered after a Home Inspection when a home is in the Short Sale stage as opposed to Foreclosure stage.  It can take a few weeks to ninety days to get an acceptance or rejection from the lender however it can pay off in the long run.

Pre-Foreclosure or Short Sale? The most important point is the need for you to work with a Realtor that is experienced in handling these types of sales.  I will be happy to advise whether you have a question or a comment, plan to purchase, or need to list your home as a Short Sale.  You can reach me by email at gracehughesjax@gmail.com or call at 904-233-1341 with questions.

I will cover Auction, REO and Foreclosure properties with my next blog.

Click here for Short Sales and Foreclosures in Jacksonville Beach.

Go to my web site at http://FindaPlaceWithStyleNgrace.com.  Be sure to check the boxes for Short Sales and Foreclosures in any other areas of town.

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Posted in Bidding REO Properties, Buy Condominium, Buy a House, Foreclosure Property, Foreclosures, Homes for Sale, Housing Market, Luxury Homes, Property Investment, Questions and Answers, Real Estate, Real Estate Agent, Short Sales | 1 Comment »

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