Devon Artis The Life Of A Marketing Realtor

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Two Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life

There have been a lot of headlines reporting on how homeowner equity (the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage) has dramatically increased over the past few years. CoreLogic indicated that equity increased for the average homeowner by $17,000 in the last year alone. ATTOM Data Solutions, in their latest U.S. Home Equity Report, revealed that 30.2% of the 59 million mortgaged homes in the United States have at least 50% equity. That doesn’t even include the 38% of homes that are owned free and clear, meaning they don’t have a mortgage at all.

How can equity help a household?

Having equity in your home can dramatically impact your life. Equity is like a savings account you can tap into when you need cash. Like any other savings, you should be sensible in how you use it, though. Here are three good reasons to consider using your equity.

1. You need money to start a new business

We’ve all heard the stories about how many great American companies started in the founder’s garage (i.e., Disney, Hewlett Packard, Apple, Yankee Candle, Keeping Current Matters). What we might not realize, however, is the garage (along with the rest of the home) supplied the start-up money for many of these companies in the form of a refinance.

If you’re passionate about an idea you have for a new product or service, the equity in your home may enable you to make that dream a reality.

2. You’re experiencing financial hardship (job loss, medical expenses, etc.)

Equity gives you options during difficult financial times. With equity, you could refinance your house to get cash which may ease the burden. It also puts you in a better position to talk to the bank about restructuring your home loan until you can get back on your feet.

Today, there are 2.7 million Americans who are currently in a forbearance program because of the pandemic. Ninety percent of those in the program have at least 10% equity. That puts them in a better position to get a loan modification instead of facing foreclosure because many banks will see the equity as a form of collateral in a new deal. If you’re in this position, even if you can’t get a modification, the equity allows you the option to sell your house and walk away with your equity instead of losing the house and your investment in it.

Bottom Line

Savings in any form is a good thing. The forced savings you can earn from making a mortgage payment enables you to build wealth through home equity. That equity can come in handy in both good and more challenging times.

Check out my Devon Artis Southwest Florida Realtor

[devonartisrealtor]

Two Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life

There have been a lot of headlines reporting on how homeowner equity (the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage) has dramatically increased over the past few years. CoreLogic indicated that equity increased for the average homeowner by $17,000 in the last year alone. ATTOM Data Solutions, in their latest U.S. Home Equity Report, revealed that 30.2% of the 59 million mortgaged homes in the United States have at least 50% equity. That doesn’t even include the 38% of homes that are owned free and clear, meaning they don’t have a mortgage at all.

How can equity help a household?

Having equity in your home can dramatically impact your life. Equity is like a savings account you can tap into when you need cash. Like any other savings, you should be sensible in how you use it, though. Here are three good reasons to consider using your equity.

1. You need money to start a new business

We’ve all heard the stories about how many great American companies started in the founder’s garage (i.e., Disney, Hewlett Packard, Apple, Yankee Candle, Keeping Current Matters). What we might not realize, however, is the garage (along with the rest of the home) supplied the start-up money for many of these companies in the form of a refinance.

If you’re passionate about an idea you have for a new product or service, the equity in your home may enable you to make that dream a reality.

2. You’re experiencing financial hardship (job loss, medical expenses, etc.)

Equity gives you options during difficult financial times. With equity, you could refinance your house to get cash which may ease the burden. It also puts you in a better position to talk to the bank about restructuring your home loan until you can get back on your feet.

Today, there are 2.7 million Americans who are currently in a forbearance program because of the pandemic. Ninety percent of those in the program have at least 10% equity. That puts them in a better position to get a loan modification instead of facing foreclosure because many banks will see the equity as a form of collateral in a new deal. If you’re in this position, even if you can’t get a modification, the equity allows you the option to sell your house and walk away with your equity instead of losing the house and your investment in it.

Bottom Line

Savings in any form is a good thing. The forced savings you can earn from making a mortgage payment enables you to build wealth through home equity. That equity can come in handy in both good and more challenging times.

Check out my Devon Artis Southwest Florida Realtor

[staciemjohnson]

4 Simple Tips to Building Effective Communication for Remote Teams

Everyone needs to feel a part of something greater than themselves. When people are separated by distance, it can be difficult for them to experience this kind of fulfillment. This can be especially true in the remote work environment.

It is essential that leaders find a way to bridge the gap that is often left by both distance and communication. Deciding how you want to communicate with your team is the first step toward successful team interaction.

Setting up the proper channels of communication will help teams with:

·       Completing tasks

·       Meeting deadlines

·       Accomplishing set goals

·       Sharing information

·       Collaborating on projects

·       Group decision-making

·       Team building

Choosing the right tools for communication is vital for remote teams. While email is the most common form of communication, it is by far the most limiting and often most open to misinterpretation. 

In an effort to avoid misunderstandings and organize team tasks, utilize your companies project management tools. Document your teams work and track the progress of assigned work across the team. This can also help in balancing the workload of the team. If your organization does not have a project management tool that it uses, check out tools such as Asana, Basecamp, Airtable, or Trello.

Quick forms of messaging and video conference calls are also a great way to keep remote team members in constant communication. Team members can chat back and forth with one another in real time and opt for the luxury of seeing each other face to face. Products like Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, Cisco Jabber, and Slack all offer interactive ways for your team to stay connected.

One-on-one touch bases can be equally important to bridging communication within remote teams. This presents a great opportunity for leaders and staff to focus on individual work and ensure alignment with team goal. Leaders are also able to provide coaching and feedback on job performance throughout the year.

It is also important to build in social communication methods for remote teams. Setting up a “Virtual Break Room” allows for the team to socialize, share hobbies, and chat about things outside of work. Set up a chat forum dedicated to encouraging casual conversations and sharing random things. Incorporating birthday calendars to your team is also a great way to boost team spirit and build relationships.

Although it may take some time to find the perfect combination of what works best for your team, having the most effective systems and protocols in place will ensure there is clear communication amongst your team.

[devonartisrealtor]

Change or suffer the consequences ...

[staciemjohnson]

Overcoming Challenges Faced by Leaders of Remote Teams

Some employees may be in the same location, while others may be remote. Without question, remote work has its pros and cons for many organizations.

The biggest challenges often come, when we assume the team will work together without any intervention from a leader.

Here are some of the common challenges faced by remote teams:

§  Lack of cohesiveness

§  Lack of trust

§  Lack of social interaction

§  Unequal work distribution

§  Poor time management

To overcome these challenges and build a successful remote team, communication and collaborative skills are crucial. As a remote team leader, you need to know how to bring out the absolute best in your team.

First things first, get organized and start with sharing your vision and business values with your team. When your team recognizes your values, they will have a better sense of how the team will run under your leadership.

In order to be an effective remote team leader, you must take time to learn and understand your team, your goals, and your purpose. When these three things come together, you will achieve more effective communication, productive collaborations, and team cohesiveness.

Take a moment to answer the following questions to get started bringing out the best in your remote team.

1.   Who are we as a team? What do we know about each other?

2.   What is our common purpose as a team?  

3.   What are our primary roles, goals, and tasks?

4.   What outcomes do we expect to achieve?

5.   What forms of communication and processes do we need to achieve our  outcomes?

[devonartisrealtor]

Great Article

[devonartisrealtor]

How Interest Rates Can Impact Your Monthly Housing Payment

Spring is right around the corner, so flowers are starting to bloom, and many potential homebuyers are getting ready to step into the market. If you’re thinking of buying this season, here’s how mortgage interest rates are working in your favor.

Freddie Mac explains:

“If you’re in the market to buy a home, today’s average mortgage rates are something to celebrate compared to almost any year since 1971…

Mortgage rates change frequently. Over the last 45 years, they have ranged from a high of 18.63% (1981) to a low of 3.31% (2012). While it’s not likely that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate will return to its record low, the current average rate of 3.45% is pretty close — all to your advantage.”

To put this in perspective, the following chart from the same article shows how average mortgage rates by decade have impacted the approximate monthly payment of a $200,000 home over time:

Clearly, when rates are low – like they are today – qualified buyers can benefit significantly over time.

Keep in mind, if interest rates go up, this can push many potential homebuyers out of the market. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) notes:

“Prospective home buyers are also adversely affected when interest rates rise. NAHB’s priced-out estimates show that, depending on the starting rate, a quarter-point increase in the rate of 3.75% on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage can price over 1.3 million U.S. households out of the market for the median-priced new home.”

Bottom Line

You certainly don’t want to be priced out of the market this year, and waiting may mean a significant change in your potential mortgage payment should rates start to rise. If your financial situation allows, now may be a great time to lock in at a low mortgage rate to benefit greatly over the lifetime of your loan.

[devonartisrealtor]

5 posts!

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Check out this property in Naples, Florida with The Simonelli Real Estate Group

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Sellers Is Now The Time To Buy In SouthWest Florida

Falling interest rates coupled with increasing inventory create the ideal market to find the home of your dreams. There's no time like the present to move up...

[devonartisrealtor]

Sellers Is Now The Time To Buy In SouthWest Florida

Falling interest rates coupled with increasing inventory create the ideal market to find the home of your dreams. There's no time like the present to move up...

[devonartisrealtor]

This house is located on one of the largest lots in Maple Ridge, this gorgeous home is fit for a King or Queen! This thoughtfully upgraded house is made for entertaining, with the guest bedroom and bathroom located on the ground floor, the spacious master suite can be found upstairs along with a large loft and 2 additional bedrooms with a "Jack and Jill" bathroom. Overlooking a large nature preserve, you can eat breakfast while watching the birds try and catch theirs! The kitchen is enhanced with top of the line stainless steel appliances and beautiful granite counter tops that will inspire your inner chef! After you fall in love with this amazing home, you will be amazed with all the amenities that Ave Maria has to offer! From its water park to the state of the art 5,000 square foot fitness center to its brand new club house only for Maple Ridge residents, you will never want to leave your new home! 

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[devonartisrealtor]

5 Mind-Blowing Reasons Why Living in Southwest Florida is a Must

Welcome to the land of sunshine and happiness that is Southwest Florida. Located off the southern half of the gulf coast, come explore, take in, and be a part of a region nestled between some of the country’s most dynamic beaches and nature preserves. Ever wondered what it would be like to live in paradise? Well keep reading to see why thousands of people for generations have flocked to this hidden gem and now call Southwest Florida home.

#1 Climate

Southwest Florida boast some of the country’s most spectacular weather, especially during the winter season, with the average temperature hovering at 75 degrees. The summer months remain relatively warm with average summer temps climbing to the low 90s, along with afternoon showers that quickly dissipate to bring forth beautiful sunsets. With bountiful sunshine and the breeze from the gulf, this makes sitting on the lanai, or basking on the beach possible all year round.

#2 Natural Beauty & Wildlife

Explore the natural beauty that encompasses and surrounds Southwest Florida. From the exceptional landscape of the Everglades, to the many nature preserves, and state parks that are home to unique wildlife and a variety of birds that inhabit the land. If you’re looking for your next big catch, then look no further because Southwest Florida’s got you covered. Whether your deep-sea fishing off the coast or casting your line off the fantastic Naples Pier, the fish are sure to be biting.

#3 Beaches

Miles of breath-taking shorelines await your presence here in Southwest Florida. Immerse yourself on the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva, or discover the beauty of Bonita, Fort Myers, or Naples beach. Whatever your pleasure let the warm waters and tranquility take you away. Delight in walking alongside glistening water with the warm sand between your toes on some of Florida’s award-winning beaches.

#4 Proximity to Other Cities

Location is everything, and Southwest Florida has it. The heart of Southwest Florida is anchored by the “City of Palms” which is Fort Myers. It is closely surrounded by a variety of other cities and towns including Naples, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, and Ave Maria. Wherever you land in Southwest Florida you are never to far from experiencing all that Florida has to offer. With drives to destinations like Miami, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, and Sarasota all within a few hours reach, you’ll never be far from entertainment and fun across the Southern Florida Peninsula.

#5 Outdoor Activities

With Sunshine always at your fingertips, take advantage of the many adventures that Southwest Florida has to offer. Enjoy kayaking down one of our many canals, taking an airboat ride through the famous Florida Everglades, walking the scenic grounds of the Historic Edison Ford Estates, or go shelling on the magnificent Marco Island. Southwest Florida is also home to several stunning State Parks. Take pleasure in snorkeling at Cayo Costa, boating at Delnor-Wiggins Pass, or go hiking in the Estero Bay Preserve. Don’t worry if nature isn’t for you, we have fantastic outdoor shopping at our Miromar Outlets and Coconut Point Mall for your enjoyment.

Southwest Florida invites you to visit, but we would love to welcome you home!

Are you considering making SouthWest Florida your home ?

Contact Devon Artis Realtor with The Simonelli Real Estate Group