Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

May 30, 2023

5 Steps To Sell Your Home for Top Dollar in 2023

In 2023, the real estate market is thriving, especially in desirable locations like St. Petersburg, Florida. However, selling your home for top dollar requires strategic planning and keen execution. Here are the top five steps you can take to make sure your house in St Petersburg FL outshines others and snags that perfect buyer for property.

 

1. Consult with a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent

 

The first and most crucial step in selling your home is finding a real estate agent that truly knows the lay of the land. We, at InvestRite Realty, specialize in houses in Florida markets, including, St Petersburg, Tampa, Sarasota, and Orlando, and provide unparalleled expertise in the real estate St Pete market.

 

You can register at InvestRiteRealty.com and get paired with a top-notch agent who will walk you through every step of your home selling journey. Our agents use tools that surpass platforms like Zillow in their accuracy and local market insights. One such tool is the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), an essential report that will help determine your home's optimal selling price by comparing it with similar, recently sold, or listed properties in the area. It's a more precise and accurate representation of the real estate in St Petersburg FL and how your property stacks up.

 

2. Clear All Clutter

 

Buyers can't envision themselves in your home if it's filled with personal items and clutter. Make your St Pete house as appealing as possible by clearing out unnecessary items. This is a step you can manage yourself, or InvestRite Realty can recommend professional services to help. This decluttering process allows buyers to imagine their lives in your home, making it more attractive and more likely to sell quickly.

 

3. Consider Hiring a Staging Company or Virtual Staging

 

A well-staged home can increase your home's selling price and reduce its time on the market. But what if you're not keen on the idea of physical staging? No problem! At InvestRite Realty, we offer options for both traditional and virtual staging. For as little as $150, we can coordinate virtual staging photos of your home that make it look attractive and inviting. This is a powerful tool in modern real estate marketing, especially when many buyers do their initial shopping online.

 

4. Promote Your Property

 

Marketing is critical in the current competitive housing market. Fortunately, when you work with InvestRite Realty, we make sure that your property stands out among rental houses St Petersburg FL and for-sale houses alike. Our comprehensive marketing strategies include top-notch professional photography, extensive online listings, social media promotion, and more.

 

5. Get Your Home Inspection-Ready

 

Nothing kills a potential deal faster than unexpected issues cropping up during the buyer's home inspection. Therefore, it's wise to address potential problem areas before listing. This may include repairing broken fixtures, addressing any plumbing or electrical issues, and ensuring the roof is in good condition. By ensuring your home is inspection-ready, you build confidence in your buyer and avoid any last-minute deal-breaking surprises.

 

By following these steps, you're setting your property up for success. Selling your house doesn't have to be a daunting task; with the help of InvestRite Realty, you can navigate the real estate St Pete market with confidence and sell your home for top dollar in 2023!

May 24, 2023

The BEST Way to Buy a Home in 2023 - Part 2

Last week we examined two of the BEST ways to buy a home in 2023. The first was to sign up for property search notifications (like on InvestRiteRealty.com), and the second was to get preapproved. Today, we take a look at the final three steps to help you find your perfect Florida dream home! 

 

3. Work with a Local Real Estate Agent

 

Navigating the St. Petersburg real estate market can be complex, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. That's why it's crucial to work with a local real estate agent who has in-depth knowledge of the neighborhoods, market trends, and available properties. A knowledgeable agent from InvestRite Realty can guide you through the entire house search process, providing valuable insights and advice along the way. They will listen to your needs and preferences, conduct personalized property searches, schedule viewings, and negotiate on your behalf. Having a professional by your side will streamline the process and ensure you find a house that meets your requirements.

 

 

4. Define Your Priorities and Must-Haves

 

Before you start touring houses, take the time to define your priorities and must-haves. Make a list of the features and qualities you're looking for in a home. Consider factors such as location, size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, amenities, proximity to schools, parks, and other amenities important to you. By having a clear idea of what you want, you'll be able to focus your search and avoid wasting time on properties that don't meet your criteria. Share your list with your InvestRite Realty agent to help them narrow down the options and find properties that align with your priorities.

 

5. Attend Open Houses and Schedule Private Showings

 

Now that you have your priorities established, it's time to start visiting potential homes. Attend open houses and schedule private showings of properties that catch your interest. Open houses provide an opportunity to explore the house firsthand, get a sense of the layout and condition, and ask questions. Private showings allow for a more in-depth examination of the property and give you the chance to envision yourself living there. During these visits, pay attention to both the positives and negatives of each house. Take notes, photographs, and videos to help you remember the details later when making comparisons. Your InvestRite Realty agent will accompany you to these showings, offering guidance, answering your questions, and providing their professional opinion.

 

By following these five steps—signing up for property search notifications, getting preapproved for a mortgage, working with a local real estate agent, defining your priorities, and attending open houses and private showings—you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect house in St. Petersburg, FL. Remember, InvestRite Realty is here to assist you throughout the entire process and make your home-buying journey a success.

Posted in How to Buy a House
May 18, 2023

The BEST Way to Buy a Home in 2023 - Part 1

Are you ready to find your Florida dream home ? The process of buying a house can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming if you don't have a clear plan. To help you navigate the real estate market and ensure a smooth buying experience, we've outlined five essential steps to take during your house search. By following these steps, you'll increase your chances of finding the perfect house in no time.

 

1. Sign up for property search notifications

 

When it comes to searching for houses in St. Petersburg, you want to stay one step ahead of the competition. Signing up for property search notifications on InvestRiteRealty.com is the key to achieving this. Unlike popular real estate websites like Zillow, InvestRite Realty provides you with up-to-date and accurate listings directly from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

By registering on InvestRiteRealty.com, you'll receive instant notifications whenever a new property matching your criteria becomes available. This means you won't miss out on any opportunities, giving you an edge in a competitive market. Working with an InvestRite Realty agent will further enhance your experience, as they can provide personalized guidance and expertise tailored to your specific needs.

 

2. Get PreApproved for a Mortgage

 

Securing a mortgage preapproval is an essential step in your house-hunting journey. It involves going through a thorough financial evaluation with a lender to determine the loan amount you qualify for. Here's why it's crucial to undergo a full preapproval process:

 

a. Competitive advantage: In a hot real estate market like St. Petersburg, many sellers favor buyers who are already preapproved for a mortgage. By obtaining preapproval, you demonstrate your seriousness and ability to close the deal quickly. This can give you a competitive edge, especially when competing with cash buyers.

 

b. Budget clarity: Getting preapproved helps you establish a realistic budget for your house search. You'll have a clear understanding of the maximum loan amount you qualify for, ensuring you focus on properties within your price range. This saves time by narrowing down your search and prevents disappointment from falling in love with a house that is beyond your financial reach.

 

c. Faster closing process: Since the lender has already evaluated your financial situation during the preapproval process, the subsequent mortgage approval and closing can proceed more smoothly and quickly. This can be crucial in a competitive market where time is of the essence.

 

By taking these first two steps—signing up for property search notifications on InvestRiteRealty.com and getting preapproved for a mortgage—you'll set yourself up for success in your house search in St. Petersburg, FL. Stay tuned for the next three steps to complete your journey to finding the perfect home.

 

At InvestRite Realty, we are dedicated to helping you make informed decisions throughout the home-buying process. Our team of experienced agents specializes in St. Petersburg real estate and can provide you with the guidance you need. Register on InvestRiteRealty.com today and let us help you find your dream house!

May 11, 2023

Why Florida is the Best State to Buy Real Estate in 2023

If you're considering buying a home as an investment, Florida is one of the best states to consider. And when it comes to finding the perfect property, our brokerage, InvestRite Realty, can help you find the perfect property in St Petersburg, FL and surrounding cities such as Tampa, Orlando, Wesley Chapel, Bradenton, Dunedin, and Clearwater.

Florida's housing market has been booming for years now, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. In fact, according to Zillow, the median home value in Florida is expected to increase by 11.4% over the next year. This means that if you invest in a property in Florida now, you can expect to see significant returns in the coming years.

Historical data also supports the notion that Florida is a great state to buy a home. In the aftermath of the 2008 housing market crash, many areas across the United States experienced a significant decline in home values. However, Florida's housing market proved to be more resilient than most, with home values in many areas quickly rebounding.

But what makes Florida such a great state to buy a home? There are a number of factors that contribute to this, including:

  1. Warm weather: Florida's warm weather and abundance of sunshine make it a popular destination for retirees and vacationers alike. This has helped drive demand for housing in the state, which has in turn helped to boost home values.

  2. Strong job market: Florida's job market is booming, with a number of industries experiencing significant growth in recent years. This has helped to drive demand for housing, particularly in areas where job growth has been particularly strong.

  3. Affordable housing: While home values in some areas of Florida can be quite high, there are still plenty of affordable options to choose from. This makes it a great state for both first-time homebuyers and investors looking to invest in rental properties.

At InvestRite Realty, we specialize in helping investors and homebuyers find the perfect property in St Petersburg, FL and surrounding areas. We understand that investing in real estate can be a complex process, which is why we work closely with our clients to ensure that they find the right property for their needs and goals.

We offer a wide range of investor properties, including rental houses in St Petersburg FL and other areas, as well as houses that are ideal for buyers looking for their dream home. Whether you're looking to invest in a property for rental income or to enjoy as a vacation home, we can help you find the perfect property.

Our team of experienced real estate agents has a deep knowledge of the local market and can help you navigate the buying process with ease. We can provide you with detailed information on the current market trends, historical data, and housing value projections to help you make informed decisions about your investment.

If you're looking to invest in real estate in Florida, there's no better time than now. And with InvestRite Realty by your side, you can rest assured that you'll find the perfect property to meet your needs and goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect property in St Petersburg, FL and surrounding areas.

Posted in Market Updates
May 2, 2023

What is a Cap Rate?

When it comes to investing in residential rental properties, one of the most important factors to consider is the cap rate. The cap rate is a metric used to determine the potential return on investment for a rental property. In this blog post, we will discuss what the cap rate is, how to calculate it, and how our brokerage, InvestRite Realty, can help new investors find and purchase their first income property in the St. Petersburg, FL area.

 

What is a Cap Rate?

 

The cap rate, short for capitalization rate, is a calculation used to determine the potential return on investment for a rental property. The cap rate is expressed as a percentage and is calculated by dividing the property's net operating income (NOI) by its current market value. The NOI is the income generated by the property after all operating expenses have been paid, such as property taxes, insurance, repairs, and maintenance.

 

Calculating the Cap Rate

 

To calculate the cap rate, you need to know the property's NOI and current market value. Here is the formula:

 

Cap Rate = (Net Operating Income / Current Market Value) x 100

 

For example, let's say you are considering purchasing a rental property in St. Petersburg, FL for $500,000. The property generates $40,000 in annual rental income and has $10,000 in operating expenses. Therefore, the NOI would be $30,000.

 

Cap Rate = ($30,000 / $500,000) x 100 = 6%

 

This means that the cap rate for this property is 6%. In other words, if you were to purchase the property for $500,000, you could expect to earn a 6% return on your investment based on its current rental income.

 

Factors That Affect Cap Rate

 

Several factors can impact a property's cap rate, such as location, property type, and market conditions. Generally, properties in desirable locations with strong rental demand tend to have higher cap rates than those in less desirable locations. Similarly, multi-unit properties tend to have higher cap rates than single-family homes due to their potential for increased rental income.

 

How InvestRite Realty Can Help

 

At InvestRite Realty, we specialize in helping new investors find and purchase their first income property in the St. Petersburg, FL area. As investor realty experts, we understand the importance of analyzing properties for investment purposes and can help you calculate the cap rate to determine the potential return on investment.

 

We have a wide selection of investor properties available in St. Petersburg, including rental houses and multi-unit properties. Our team of experienced real estate agents can guide you through the buying process and provide valuable insights on market conditions and property values in the area.

 

Whether you're looking to invest in a property for rental income or to flip for a profit, we can help you find the right property for your investment goals. We also offer property management services to help you maximize your return on investment and minimize your workload as a landlord.

 

Investing in Houses in St. Petersburg, FL

 

St. Petersburg, FL is a popular destination for real estate investors due to its growing economy, vibrant culture, and desirable location on Florida's Gulf Coast. The area offers a range of rental housing options, from single-family homes to multi-unit apartment buildings, making it an attractive market for investors of all experience levels.

 

If you're interested in investing in houses in St. Petersburg, FL, InvestRite Realty can help. Our team of real estate experts has years of experience working with investors and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed investment decisions.

 

In conclusion, understanding the cap rate is an essential aspect of analyzing residential rental properties for investment purposes. By working with InvestRite Realty, you can take the guesswork out of calculating the cap rate

July 31, 2017

Curious About Local Real Estate?

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Posted in Market Updates