Blog Hanley
BLOG ARTICLES:
Which Way Should My Fan Blades Turn in the Winter/Summer?
Hanley Home Team Touted for its Marketing on Behalf of their Clients
Top Forgotten Items During a Move
Hanley Home Team Newsletter Archive
Seasonal Fan Blade Adjustments
In colder months, do you use your ceiling fan the right way?
In the summer they can provide cooling breezes, but during winter they can also assist in circulating warm air through your home. The trick is understanding the switch on the fan which controls the direction of the fan blades:
During the SUMMER months, the standard setting of COUNTERCLOCKWISE provides cooling down drafts.
During the WINTER months, the reverse setting of CLOCKWISE creates an opposing updraft, which redistributes the warm air which rises to the top of the room.
By pulling cooler air up from the ground, the warm air is more efficiently distributed throughout the home.
You may have a wall switch with controls fan direction, but most ceiling fans have a simple toggle-switch which controls the direction of the fan’s motor.
We like to help homeowners get the most out of their investment in their dream home. If you’re thinking about a move soon, please get in touch! 904-422-7626 or Kevin@HanleyHomeTeam.com
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“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found those dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.”
Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter (March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890
http://www.vangoghgallery.com/
Artists take risks. They pursue their vision, often without financial security, facing long odds while stewing in their own self-doubt. When the world tells them “it’s not safe,” they listen to their own voice despite “prevailing wisdom.” They have a vision and they pursue it.
Occasionally, if they’re very lucky, they get to look back on their life and see the path that lead them to create a masterpiece. At the time, the path wasn’t easy, yet in retrospect, it looks very much like the only possible path they could take.
I think in twenty years or even ten years, we’re going to hear the collective sound of people kicking themselves because they did not buy a home this year. As their teenage sons and daughters graduate and enter the future job market and begin searching for their first home, they’ll turn to their parents and say, “Seriously? You’re telling me when I was in middle school, you could get a 30-year fixed for under 5%?”
Too many remain terrified by the last great storm in the housing market. They stand now on the shores of incredible opportunity, but can’t shake the vision of all those values sinking into oblivion.
Think about the future. Who might need a home? Is there an opportunity to “be the bank” when the time comes? The descendants of those savvy collectors who bough a Van Gogh painting for mere dollars in 1885 are surely grateful for their grandparents’ eyes today, aren’t they?
Yes, there is uncertainty, but this is the calmest water you’re ever going to see. Set sail now and buy a home. Those that do will certainly be rewarded. As for the masterpiece? It will be the satisfaction of looking back and realizing they bought at just the right time.
There’s certainly no risk to exploring the opportunity. I’d love the opportunity to sit down with you and plot a possible course to the best investment you could make. Contact us today at: Kevin@HanleyHomeTeam.com or 904-422-7626.
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I came across this interesting infographic in the Washington Post recently called “Anatomy of a Burglary,” which reveals some fascinating statistics about break-ins, including a few ways to protect your valuables and deter thieves.
Some interesting facts:
· Most burglaries occur between 10AM and 3PM.
· The typical house burglar is a male teenager who lives within a couple of miles of your home.
· Burglars spend on an average between 8 and 12 minutes inside your home.
Not only did the graphic detail the most common entry points for a burglar, but it also offered these helpful tips for protecting your home:
· A home with a security system is 3 times less likely to be broken into than a home without a security system. (Even if you don’t have one, buying the stickers for them can deter an amateur.)
· Consider alternatives to the master bedroom for hiding valuables. It’s the first place most burglars go.
· Burglars want to spend fewer than 60 seconds breaking in. Anything you can do to lengthen that time will increase the likelihood they’ll pass on your house.
· The appearance of an unoccupied home is what typically attracts burglars. Not bringing the garbage cans back up a few days after trash day can be a big sign you’re not around.
For a detailed look at the infographic, visit the Washington Post site here:
Protect your home and your valuables! Common sense is often enough to keep you from becoming a victim. And remember: Keep an inventory of your possessions for insurance purposes.
Quality of your neighborhood got you nervous? Looking to move to a nicer zip code? I’d be glad to help you find a safer home. Contact me! 904-422-7626
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Do you ever wish you lived closer to work? Some of the happiest people I know have the shortest commutes. Traffic stress, the cost of gasoline, and the hours wasted on the road take their toll.
Well, if you’ve ever been looking for a reason to move closer to your work, this might just send you over the edge. The truth is, it could be a major financial mistake not to cut a long commute out of your life.
This eye-opening infographic from StreamlineRefinance.net shows you how much more home you can afford when you eliminate a long commute from your life. From their math, it looks to be anywhere from $15,900 (1 mile reduction) to an astonishing $477,000 (30 mile reduction)!
While you might have some arguments against their assumptions, I think the graphic is useful all the same: It gets you thinking about how you value your time and the “hidden costs” of a long drive to your livelihood!
Check out the infographic for yourself:
http://www.streamlinerefinance.net/cost-of-commuting.html
Thinking it might be time to move closer to your job? Contact us today: 904-422-7626 Kevin@HanleyHomeTeam.com
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Hosting out of town guests soon? Going the extra mile when hosting out-of-town guests can be both affordable and reflect the charms of your town. Here are some handy tips I like to share with clients who have friends staying in the wonderful Jacksonville area.
For the guest room:
• Clear out a nice space for your guests items. Even a section of a closet or a dedicated set of shelves / drawers will help them feel welcome.
• Fresh flowers are a great way to make an average guest room seem like a little dose of “B&B” treatment.
• Provide local information on the nightstand; local maps, history, and points of interest are great ideas.
On arrival:
• Giving guests a spare set of keys and showing them how to use the alarm (if you have one) is a great way to make sure they can come and go as they please.
• People are often starving after a long day on the road! Have some food available as soon as your friends arrive.
• Let them know “what’s mine is yours” right away. Books, blankets, whatever they need. Don’t assume they’ll ask or feel comfortable with your possessions.
While they’re staying:
• Take them food shopping at a local specialty store. If they like to cook, plan to make a meal together. It can be intimate, relaxing, and affordable.
• Go beyond the tourist destinations! Show them “how locals do.”
• If they drink, offering a little “wind me down” cocktail at night is nice.
• If it doesn’t break the bank, find small, local souvenir you can send them home with.
By the way, we’d love to meet your house guests! They might just like Jacksonville so much, they’d consider moving here. If you’re out and about, give us a ring or drop us a line so we can meet! Contact us today: 904-422-7626 Kevin@HanleyHomeTeam.com
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CannedBanners.com just wrote a great article about our marketing efforts. We love marketing for our clients and we hope you'll take the time to see what all the buzz is about! Give us a call to find out how we can market your home - 904-422-7626
http://blog.cannedbanners.com/2012/01/featured-client-hanley-home-team/
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The chaos of moving day is a prime time to forget or misplace essential items. When you’re preparing for the big move to your new home, the following items are some of the most overlooked (and the most sorely missed in a time of need!).
To prevent the hassle and heartbreak of forgotten possessions and lost information, make a check list containing the following items:
1. Jewelry, watches, and small valuables: These small, expensive and often irreplaceable items are best kept in a safe deposit box or kept with trustworthy friends or relatives on moving day.
2. Garage door opener: The old one won’t be of much use at your new house, will it? Be sure to leave it behind for the new owners. Also, make sure the old owners of your new house give you theirs!
3. Spare keys: Sets to your old house should remain with the new owners, but don’t forget sets to the new house! There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at your new place without a way to get in.
4. Old address books: Yes, we all have fancy new smartphones, but it seems like families all have a well-worn phone book stashed in a spice drawer somewhere. These are practically family heirlooms of information, so don’t leave them behind.
5. Unfinished errands: Do you have any clothes at the dry cleaner? Books due to the library? What about other video game or DVD rentals? It can be a real hassle to settle up on these items from 100 miles away, right?
6. Medical records: While a lot of medical information is digital these days, you should make sure you don’t misplace your copies, including dental information and prescriptions. It’s easy to lose them at the bottom of a hastily thrown-away box.I make sure my clients’ experience selling their old home and moving into their new dream home is a smooth transition. If you’re interested in a hassle-free home selling experience, please get in touch today: 904-422-7626 or Kevin@HanleyHomeTeam.com
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Now is perhaps one of the best times in history to purchase a home. Low interest rates and unparalleled affordability have created a perfect storm for qualified buyers.
So does that mean the “flipping days” are here again? Probably not. While there may be shrewd investors out there who have the ability to squeeze out a profit on flipping properties in this market, the margins aren’t favorable and re-selling is tough.
It is, however, an excellent time for buyers looking for a long-term home investment, especially those who want to manage a rental property. There’s a good margin between true value and current prices, for one. Additionally, there’s great potential for higher rental values as rental inventory decreases under the pressure of potential buyers who can’t yet qualify for a loan.
Do you have a college graduate or newlywed child? Another great investment is the purchase of a home for someone in the family that may occupy it as a tenant until such time they can afford their own home.
If you’re curious about which neighborhoods would make the purchase of an investment property a good move, feel free to contact us today. We’d be happy to help advise you on an investment purchase. 904-422-7626 Kevin@HanleyHomeTeam.com
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Did you buy a home last year? Have you owned your home for a decade? Do you have an accurate idea of how much equity you really have in your home? If you were to sell today, do you know how much cash you’d have available moving forward?
Understanding the true equity you have in your home is a vital part of understanding your complete financial picture. You may have a vague idea of what you think your home is worth, but do you really know? And if you’re not sure, can you really be sure of your equity?
I often help clients get an accurate picture of their home equity through a three step process:
First, I use a comparative market analysis to establish a probable range of sale prices for your home. This takes into account recent closings as well as the unique features your home has to offer potential buyers.
Second, we look at your current loan and any other outstanding obligations which must be settled from the proceeds of the sale.
Third, I take into account any other fees or expenses incurred during the sales process which would impact the free equity in the home.
Whether the actual equity turns out to be $1,000 or $100,000, my clients find a certain peace of mind knowing exactly where they stand. The facts can help them plan for the future and make decisions about whether or not now is a good time to make any changes.
Are you curious about your home equity position? Contact us if you’d like to learn more: 904-422-7626 Kevin@HanleyHomeTeam.com
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The Hanley Home Team Newsletter Archive:
* Real Estate News - November - December 2011 (6 Tips for Timing a Real Estate Purchase)
* Real Estate News - October 2011 (Tips for Selling Your Home During the Holidays)
* Real Estate News - September 2011 (Timing is Important when it comes to Real Estate Decisions)
* Real Estate News - August 2011 (Back to School Tip and Foreclosure in your Neighborhood)
* Real Estate News - July 2011 (Investing in real estate and becoming a landlord)
* Real Estate News - June 2011 (Jacksonville named one of best places to retire)
* Real Estate News - April-May 2011 (Serpents in your home - where they hide and how to get them out)
* Real Estate News - March 2011 (Can your roof save you hundres?)
* Real Estate News - February 2011 (Deadline to Homestead is March 1 and anti-flipping Rules)
* Real Estate News - January 2011 (Can your bank seize your boat and car after foreclosure)
* Real Estate News - November/December 2010 (December is historically the best month to buy)
* Real Estate News - October 2010 (Facing Foreclosure - Five Friends you need on your Team)
* Real Estate News - August/September 2010 (Short Sale after Bankruptcy)
* Real Estate News - July 2010 (Stress Free Home Closings)
* Real Estate News - June 2010 (Congress to extend tax credit)
* Real Estate News - May 2010 (Who is working for you? Single Agent vs Transaction Agent!)
* Real Estate News - April 2010 (The Hanley Home Team named TOP PRODUCER for the month of March!)
* Real Estate News - March 2010 (Yikes it's coming!The Cost of Waiting to Buy or Waiting to Price you Home Right)
* Real Estate News - February 2010 (Make the Most of Your Real Estate Investment)
* Real Estate News - January 2010 (Happy New Year! Should I rent or buy in 2010?)
