Monthly Archives: February 2012

Q. I’ve kept to my New Year’s resolution and have lost a few pounds. Now I think my house needs to go on a diet. Even though I don’t plan on moving soon, I want to be ready, when I do list, what do you recommend?

Posted on February 27, 2012 by betsypepine

A. Most sellers need to edit approximately one-third of their belongings for their home to show optimally. Remember, when you go to sell your home, you are selling the space, not the objects. If the objects clutter the space, you … Continue reading →

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Haile Village Farmers’ Market

Posted on February 21, 2012 by betsypepine

The Haile Village Farmers’ Market on S.W. 91st Terrace, in the heart of the village, is open every Saturday 8:30-12:00 rain or shine, we’re here for you throughout the winter months. We invite you to come and visit with the … Continue reading →

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Q. I am relocating to Gainesville and I will be working remotely. The nature of my work requires a fast internet connection. What’s the best way to determine if a given house can support this?

Posted on February 20, 2012 by betsypepine

A.  We have a great new resource available to us that addresses just this.  Regardless of where you live, you can search for all available broadband providers and their respective speeds for a given address using the National Broadband map … Continue reading →

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Q. I’m thinking of not renewing my termite contract because I’m going to be selling my home this spring and need to save money. Do buyers really care if a house has a termite contract?

Posted on February 8, 2012 by betsypepine

A. I highly recommend you do not do this.  Although it will save you money, it’s a small sum compared to the cost of having to repair the house from termite damage if it occurs between now and when your … Continue reading →

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Q. I’ve always been skeptical of using people or companies that Realtors recommend. Aren’t they getting a kick-back when I use them?

Posted on February 6, 2012 by betsypepine

A. Realtors adhere to a strict code of ethics. One of the things a Realtor MUST do is disclose any affiliated business arrangements they have with companies or people. The most common case of this is when a brokerage and … Continue reading →

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Q. I just heard home inspectors don’t have to be licensed. Is that true?

Posted on February 3, 2012 by betsypepine

A. While true in some states, in Florida, since July 2010, home inspectors must be licensed and certified.  The state requires candidates to be of good moral character, have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete 120 hours of coursework, … Continue reading →

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Q: Last week you mentioned that you anticipate that the number of distressed properties will rise in 2012. Why?

Posted on February 1, 2012 by betsypepine

A: For a few reasons. One is that Florida ranks the third highest in number of homeowners underwater on their mortgage at 45%. In Gainesville, 40% of homeowners are underwater on their mortgages. Without a rise in home values, more … Continue reading →

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