June 2016 Words From Our Broker | Brokers Corner with Tanya Chappell

Hi,

Things are certainly heating up. And I’m not just talking about the typical hot, humid,  rainy Florida weather that’s rearing its head. The late spring/early summer begins a transition for many people in our town.

Between education, medical, technology and construction, our town has got it going on! Gainesville has become a great place for employment. As Gainesville grows in size with the construction of so many new commercial and residential projects, Gainesville’s economy, job market and wages are all growing – bringing us plenty of buyers and tenants. Thankfully with the robust economy fewer people have trouble qualifying to rent or buy (especially with the interest rates remaining low). We call this time of the year turnover season with so many people moving in and out of town. We have so many houses to get ready in a short amount of time. Property managers live for this time of year! Rofl 😉

With all the building happening good skilled carpenters are in high demand (which points to wage increases).  I have also heard the cost of construction materials is slated to increase in September. This means the cost of building will be increasing which will push up the cost of buying a home. It still remains true that there is no time like the present to buy property.

Keep in mind that trades people are in high demand this time of year so if you’re needing help getting your property in condition to put on the market or change over tenants, you need to plan ahead. Getting estimates now and commitments from your trades people are key to a smooth transition. This is one of the areas that having a good property manager can save you a lot of money. Not only in having trusted vendors with good rates and quality work, but also the organizational and follow through skill that’s imperative when working on getting properties ready with the shortest vacancy or down time. Time is definitely money.

This time of year also brings lots of travel for many people with kids out of school and summer fun things happening. Being in the middle of the State like we are makes it easy to enjoy the beach, the river or the springs. Being in Florida also makes it oh-so convenient for a little Island travel. This past weekend we took a charter flight out of Fort Lauderdale over to our friend’s place in Bimini, Bahamas. Such a cool little island with lots of good fishing, diving and golf cart riding fun, all just a 20 to 30 minute hop over. Their place is great and it’s for sale!!! They also have a lot for sale if you prefer to build your own. I hope someone I know buys it so I can continue to come over and live like the locals! Lol. It will need to be written into the contract. For more information about this place click here. I had plans of doing a nice little video promoting the house and lot but being my phone fell in the ocean on the first day, my life proof case not doing its job, and a rice grain becoming lodged in the plug-in port, my movie editing abilities were grounded 😮

To see more pictures from Tanya’s trip, click here.