Mark Downing from CornerStone Homes Answers Top 3 Buyer Questions

June 2, 2011

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Mark Downing, CornerStone Homes SiteMany people are realizing the benefits of buying a new home over a short sale or a foreclosure. So we decided to reach out to one of our many builder friends – Mark Downing with CornerStone Homes – to find out the top 3 questions he is getting about new houses in Jacksonville, FL today. Here are the top 3 buyer questions along with Mark’s answers:
 
1. How much does it cost to build per square foot?
 
There are many variables to the per square foot cost, but we generally start at $60 per foot. However, it does vary by plan, county and the personal choices you make for your finishes.
 
2. What incentives do you offer?
 
Unlike a national builder, we don’t have one program for every buyer. We work with our buyers to tailor a program that fits your needs.  That may include a closing cost contribution, a price reduction or a design center option.
 
3. How long does it take to build a home?
 
After we get the permit, we can build your home in 90 to 120 days – depending on size. However, it often takes 60 – 100 days before we get a permit depending on the number of structural changes you make, a community’s ARC approvals, truss and structural engineering, and which county your home is in.
 
If you are interested in learning more about the differences between new construction and short sales or foreclosure – or if you have other questions you would like to ask a builder, please contact any Davidson agent!

3 Tips to Protect Yourself When Renting Your Property

July 30, 2010

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Posted by in Rentals

What a wonderful time to buy real estate as an investment property! Just take a look around at the properties available right now AND their prices. Not only that, but the rental market is absolutely fantastic and it continues to get better and better! Four to five months ago the inventory for rentals was through the roof, you couldn’t even turn around without bumping into a “For Rent” sign. Now it’s the opposite, inventory is very low, especially for single family homes; condos have also started to rent much quicker. I recently had a property placed in MLS at 2 PM and it was rented by 9 PM THAT night! For an investor in real estate property I don’t believe the time can get any better than this to buy and rent out your investment property or to rent your home if it’s not selling. Here are 3 tips for someone renting their home:

1. I highly recommend using a property management company to manage your property with the tenant. But, in any event, KNOW what your lease says. Florida is a Landlord State, which means the laws of the state of Florida are there for protection of the owner/landlord. This makes Florida, in my opinion, one of the best states possible to own an investment/rental property.

2. Make sure there’s a paragraph on “Use of Premises” in your lease. This paragraph states what the tenant can and cannot do while living in your property (i.e. no trampolines, athletic equipment, etc.) It disallows any items or activities that can cause interference with the insurance coverage. Tenants cannot run a business, daycare center, etc. out of the property. Read more

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