Jupiter Real Estate Podcast

An Important End-of-Summer Message About Our Market

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 12:55:00 -0700

There are a few recent developments we would like to share with you
as our summer season draws to an end.

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Now that we’ve entered into the second half of summer, it is time to take a look at what developments have taken place in our market lately.

Inventory has been on the rise. This typically indicates a shift in the market, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It actually happens all the time, as real estate is very cyclical. That being said, selling before this shift takes place may be a good idea.

Our market has been favoring sellers recently, but now things seem as though they are beginning to balance. As the end of summer draws near and the school year approaches, the opportunity to capture current market conditions will fade. So if you have been thinking of listing, don’t delay.

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As the end of summer draws near and
the school year approaches, the opportunity
to capture current market conditions will fade.

”

As a final note, don’t forget that Florida’s Tax-Free Weekend will be taking place between August 3 and August 5. Those with children in school won’t want to miss this chance to purchase school supplies with no state tax.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

5 Things to Keep in Mind That Can Prevent a Home From Closing

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 11:45:00 -0700

Many things can go wrong with your home purchase that can slow the closing process down. Today I am joined by Evan McDonough to give you five things that you should be aware of to keep your closing on track.

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I am joined today by Evan McDonough of Family Mortgage to talk about pitfalls that can prevent a home closing from happening on time and how to avoid these common missteps as a buyer.There are a few important precautions all buyers should take as they embark on their home search. Today I'd like to list five things, in particular, to keep in mind if you're about to begin this process yourself.

1. Maintain your credit score. Lenders will first pull your credit score during the pre-approval process, but will also monitor it throughout the transaction. So avoid taking out unrelated loans or making major purchases during the home buying process. It's important to keep your credit score consistent as you apply for financing for your future home. I recommend that you consult with your lender about the specific variables that could impact your score.

2. Maintain your current employment status. Believe it or not, you have to have the same job during your pre-approval as you do at your closing, so do not change your job. We have to verify employment within ten days of closing for every single client. Even if you get a new job lined up, do not quit your current job. Doing so will stop the loan process.

3. Make sure assets in your bank account can be verified. Do not put actual cash into your bank account, because where that cash came from cannot be verified. If you have cash in your home, do not put it into your account right before closing. Talk to your lender about how to verify your assets.

4. Read and sign the closing disclosure. Four days before the closing date, you will have to sign a closing disclosure. Making sure everything is in order with your closing disclosure is critical, because this will indicate whether you're set to close on time. While working with your lender, ask them if you are on track to have your closing disclosure signed, because that will indicate whether you’re on track to close on time. If you’re selling your current home before closing on the new one, make sure your lender gets your sale of home closing disclosure. If you have this document prior to or on the day of closing, make sure you give it to the lender. This will enable them to fund the purchase and give you the keys on time.

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Do not put actual cash into your bank account, because where that cash came from cannot be verified.

”

5. Watch out for wire fraud.Wiring scams have become a significant issue in our market. You may receive false instructions via email from a scammer posing as someone legitimately affiliated with the transaction. Before wiring any funds, verify that the instructions are legitimate. Call your agent, title company, or lender to make sure they were truly the ones behind the email you received. Picking up the phone and having a conversation could help you avoid a mistake that could potentially compromise your home purchase.

At the end of the day, verify everything verbally. If you have any questions, pick up the phone and talk to your lender or agent to make sure before you don’t do anything to potentially compromise your major purchase.

If you have any additional questions for Evan about lending, you can contact him by calling (561) 625-2660 or by email at evan@familymortgage.com.

And, as always, if you are interested in buying or selling, please feel free to contact me by phone or email. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Evan McDonough
Family Mortgage
(561) 625-2660
evan@familymortgage.com

Taking a Break From Real Estate to Talk About… Guinea Pigs?

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Thu, 7 Jun 2018 13:00:00 -0700

What does it take to care for a guinea pig? More than you probably think.

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Today we’ll be talking about a very important topic to us here at the Simmonds Realty Team: Guinea pigs.

If you’re scratching your head right about now, allow me to explain. I’ve encountered many people who while trying to manage their real estate goals are also dealing with children begging them for a new pet. And when the begging begins, parents are likely to hear about all kinds of pets their child would just love to have.

Of course, before you invest in any pet, it’s critical to do your research. This is especially true for pets like guinea pigs, who have attributes and needs that some people might not be aware of.

Personally, I love guinea pigs. I even have one of my own, named Rosie, who you can see in the video above. So now that you understand why we’re covering this slightly unusual topic, let’s dive right into what you should know about guinea pigs.

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Guinea pigs and other animals can be a larger commitment than people realize.

”

1. Guinea pigs are very affectionate. They require a lot of love and attention. So it’s important before purchasing one to consider the time you’ll need to dedicate to properly caring for them.

2. They are expensive in the long run. While a guinea pig itself will cost just about $30, caring for this pet can amount to thousands of dollars in expenses. Guinea pigs can live between seven to 10 years. So make sure you’re ready for a long-term commitment before purchasing a guinea pig of your own.

3. Guinea pigs shed. Though it isn’t something many consider-you can be allergic to guinea pigs. So be sure to keep this in mind.

4. They require maintenance. Guinea pigs need to be regularly brushed and their cages must be cleaned every four to five days. Beyond that, these pets must be emotionally stimulated.

So, in conclusion, please be mindful and do your research when purchasing a family pet. Guinea pigs and other animals can be a larger commitment than people realize.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sold in 90 Seconds

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Fri, 25 May 2018 12:06:00 -0700

Studies show that buyers decide whether to purchase a home within 90 seconds of entering the property. So, today, we will discuss some important things sellers can do to make sure their home gives a good first impression.

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Today we are going to look at the concept of “sold in 90 seconds.”

What does this mean? Well, studies have shown that buyers make up their mind about whether to purchase your property within the first 90 seconds after stepping into your home.

Having sold hundreds upon hundreds of homes, I can tell you that I absolutely think this is true. So with as quickly as buyers make up their minds, what steps should sellers take to make sure that first impression is a good one?

First, make sure your home has strong curb appeal. Pressure washing walkways, adding fresh flowers, cleaning the windows, and polishing up other exterior details can go a long way. Curb appeal plays a huge part in how buyers perceive your home.

“

By keeping these key points in mind, you will be able to get your home “sold” in just 90 seconds.

”

Also, you have got to make sure your home is clean. If your house doesn’t feel clean, people won’t be interested. Your home’s upgrades will not matter if it feels or looks dirty.

On this same note, you have to get rid of clutter. Having a clean, tidy, spacious property will boost your home’s overall appeal. It may also be a good idea to stage your home, so that buyers can see its full potential for themselves. By keeping these key points in mind, you will be able to get your home “sold” in just 90 seconds.

If you have any other questions, would like more information, or are thinking of listing your home, feel free to give my team a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

What Makes Jupiter a Great Place to Live?

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 12:13:00 -0700

Let’s take a look at all the great benefits Jupiter has to offer.

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The town of Jupiter has some amazing things to offer. Today, I’d like to highlight a few of these key features.

First of all, one major benefit is all of the town’s outdoor amenities. Here in Jupiter, there really is something for everyone.

As a result of our location and amenities, there is no shortage of things to do in Jupiter. We have opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, paddle boarding, golfing, and much more.

Here in Jupiter, there really is something for everyone.

In Jupiter, you can be as involved in the community as you like. There is a great balance between the feel of a small town and the amenities of a bigger city. Overall, Jupiter really is a great place to live.

If you have any other questions, would like more information, or are curious about moving to Jupiter, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

What Does “Florida 365” Mean?

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:18:00 -0700

What does Florida 365 mean? I’ll explain how this new term applies to home sellers today.

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My video blog today is about a new term I’ve coined, “Florida 365.” What does that mean?

One of the questions I get all the time is, “Is there a good time to sell my house?”

Whether you have a single-family home on a golf course or a condo by the water, you can sell your home 365 days a year. It is always a good time to sell your home in Florida.

At one time, there probably was a better time to sell your home if it was on the golf course or in the water. However, the market has changed a lot over the year. You can sell your condo or single-family home in the summer or the winter. The season really does not matter.

You can sell your Florida home 365 days a year.

Of course, if the property is overpriced or needs a lot of work, that could hinder your home sale.

Generally, there is not a good or bad time to put your home on the market here in Florida, especially in Northern Palm Beach. That area has good schools and is close to the beach, 95, and the turnpike. We just don’t see a bad time of year when it comes to selling.

If you have any questions about selling your home, just give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!

An Oceanfront Property Awaits You Here in Florida

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 12:42:00 -0700

Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or invest in a property here in Florida, now is the perfect time to do so.

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If you’ve ever thought about investing in a second home or changing your lifestyle and moving to a warmer climate, now is the perfect time to move to Florida.

Did you know that you can buy a property for $350,000 or less just a block away from the ocean? The cost would be even less if you would consider a condo, and many condominiums here in Jupiter allow rentals. Sometimes, you can rent up to five times per year. I know of one complex here that lets you rent on a monthly basis and another that lets you rent on a weekly basis, which would be the perfect Airbnb situation.

If you need a little getaway, Florida is the perfect place.

Where I grew up in the Northeast near the beach, you can’t find anything for $350,000 anywhere near the ocean. Keep that in mind the next time you’re thinking you might need a little getaway or you’re ready to revamp your lifestyle and move to a warmer climate.

Whether it’s renting, investing, or buying a property here in Florida, we’re ready to help you. If you have any questions or you’re thinking of making a move now, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d be glad to help.

What’s Going in the 2018 Market?

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:39:00 -0800

2017 was a great year. So now that we’ve reached 2018, where is the market now? What can we expect for the year to come? Here are my thoughts.

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What a great year 2017 was! Hopefully it was just as good for everyone else as it was for us.

Since we’ve officially reached the new year, I want to give you all a market update. What are the market conditions currently?

Inventory at this point is still relatively low, especially in family-oriented neighborhoods. We are still seeing high demand in the area, though, which is the reason behind the low inventory. Houses are being picked up as soon as they come on the market.

I do foresee some change ahead. Judging by inventory levels from 2016, our market appears to be shifting more toward a neutral market, which is more of a balance between a buyer’s and seller’s market. Of course, if you have a home that shows great, those houses will always sell for top dollar.

Our market appears to be shifting more toward a neutral market.

Something else to think about is the fact that weather in the north is so terrible that it’s driving people to look for houses down here in Florida. So, if you’re considering selling your house, this season might be a great time to sell.

Even if you don’t have a solid plan to move yet, at the very least, give us a call for a second opinion. You’d get a second opinion when talking to a doctor or lawyer, right?

We look forward to having a great 2018. If you have any questions or are looking to sell your house, feel free to reach out to us. We’d love to help you out.

Where to Find the Best Tea on Prince Edward Island

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 13:12:00 -0800

If you or someone you know loves tea, you should definitely check out the business I’m featuring today.

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Although we normally give the title of Entrepreneur of the Month to someone who is local to the Jupiter or North Palm Beach area, we’re switching things up a little this month.

As you might have noticed, specialty teas have become increasingly popular across the United States lately.

So today, the very special business I’d like to highlight is Lady Baker’s Tea on Prince Edward Island. Lady Baker’s Tea is a little company with a big dream. Their premier loose-leaf teas are ethically produced at the finest tea gardens in Asia and Africa.

The Tea Lady, as she is known on Prince Edward Island, also has a subscription box service based out of Lady Baker’s Tea. Each monthly subscription box comes with three bags of tea, filters, and a surprise gift. Those three bags of tea amount to about 10 cups per bag, meaning you essentially get 30 cups of tea per month.

Lady Baker’s Tea is a little company with a big dream.

You can sign up for a one-month trial, a three-month subscription, or a six-month subscription starting at about $33 per month. The box I received even came with a thank-you note, further information on the company, and a muffin recipe.

If you’re interested in learning more, or maybe even signing up for your own subscription box, you can visit www.LadyBakersTea.com. If you have any other questions for me, feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email. I'd be happy to help you.

Don’t Miss Our 3rd Annual Great American Pie Giveaway

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Thu, 9 Nov 2017 10:15:00 -0800

Don’t miss our third annual Great American Pie Giveaway on November 21. Pick up a free pumpkin or apple pie for your Thanksgiving feast!

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We are hard at work in the kitchen, but we wanted to remind you about a tradition that we started three years ago.

That’s right—it’s time for our third annual Great American Pie Giveaway!

We are giving away pumpkin and apple pies on November 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is just our way of thanking all of our friends and clients that we’ve done business with over the years.

Would you like a pumpkin or apple pie?

Email Pies@SimmondsTeam.com and enter “apple” or “pumpkin” in the subject line to reserve your pie.

These are gorgeous, fresh apple and pumpkin pies, so don’t settle for a frozen pie this Thanksgiving.

As always, if you have any questions, just give us a call or send us an email.

We look forward to seeing you on November 21. Happy Thanksgiving!

How Can You Take Advantage of Our Current Market?

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Wed, 1 Nov 2017 12:42:00 -0700

Right now, we are extremely low on inventory in our Jupiter-Tequesta area. As a result, demand is high and it’s a great time to sell.

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Right now, we are extremely low on inventory in our Jupiter-Tequesta area.

If you’ve been on the fence about listing your home, it’s a good time to start seriously thinking about doing so.

Prices are still very high, and there’s not a lot available on the market right now. This translates to lower competition for your listing.

I live in and sell a lot of real estate in the Abacoa area. While there are 5,500 units in Abacoa, including townhomes, single-family homes, and condos, there are only 60 homes for sale. That’s less than 1% of the community’s inventory.

Even communities with larger properties like Whispering Trails are seeing high demand and low inventory. This is the case for basically every community in our area.

Just because the holidays are coming up, that doesn’t mean that right now isn’t a good time to sell.

If you are ready and want to move, now is a great time to sell. You may even think about renting while you look for something you like more than your current home. Just because the holidays are coming up doesn't mean that now isn't a good time to sell.

Speaking of the holidays, I hope you’ll take advantage of our pie giveaway for Thanksgiving.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

How to File a Homestead Exemption

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 13:58:00 -0700

Do you know what a homestead exemption is? Either way, we’ve got a few tips about it to share with you today.

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Do you know what a homestead exemption is? Do you know how to file one? If not, you’re in luck. We’re answering both questions today.

When you are a permanent resident of Florida, you are able to file a homestead exemption based on the assessed value of your taxes. For example, if you bought a $500,000 house and it was assessed at $500,000, it would be assessed at roughly $450,000 with the homestead exemption. This would save you roughly $68 per month in taxes.

If you bought a house in 2017, you need to file for your homestead exemption before March 1st. There are a few different ways you can do this. You can mail it in, you can complete the application online, or you can e-file it directly on pbc.gov.com/papa.

You can file your exemption in a few different ways.

If you’re choosing the final option, the process is really easy. Click the home button right on that page and scroll down until you see a link that says “File for an exemption.” Once you click “e-file," it will give you a brief description of what to do and you'll find a link to begin the filing process. When filling for your exemption, the following documents will be required:

Driver’s license
Social security number
Vehicle registration
Voter ID
Proof of permanent residency if not a U.S. citizen
The recorded deed

Once you’ve put everything in, click “pin request” and you’re done. It’s as simple as that.

Keep in mind that there might be other exemptions that you qualify for. If you have any questions about these or about anything else, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We would love to hear from you.

What Do Superheroes Have in Common With Real Estate? These Agents Love Both

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Wed, 4 Oct 2017 12:23:00 -0700

I’d like you to meet two of our rockstar buyer’s agents. To make the introduction a little more interesting, I sent these guys through a rapid-fire questionnaire on everything from football to superheroes.

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Today, we’re doing things a little differently—and I don’t think you’re going to want to miss it. First of all, I want to introduce two of our rockstar buyer’s agents: Brian Peterson and Gabrielle Kane.

After I tell you a little about how they can serve you as real estate professionals, we’re going to mix things up. I sent these guys through a lightning round of questions on everything from superheroes to tech gadgets. You know how much we love real estate, but can you figure out which of the three of us is a fan of Batman?

But all that will have to wait for now. Before we get to our favorite superheroes, I want to tell you what makes Brian and Gabrielle such special members of our team.

Gabrielle just started with us this year, and Brian is a new hire himself. We go through an insane number of interviews, and we only select the best for our team.

When you work with Gabrielle or Brian, you can be sure that you are their sole focus. All of our agents are committed to making you, the client, their priority.

You know how much we love real estate, but can you figure out which of the three of us is a fan of Batman?

Now let’s get to the fun part. Instead of the typical real estate questions you might expect from these kinds of introductions, we want to get right to the important issues: superheroes, tech gadgets, and football.

You won’t want to miss these agents’ answers. They may agree on real estate, but these two professionals are on opposite sides of the Florida-Miami football rivalry.

Check out the video above to hear how our lightning round quiz went down. You won’t want to miss these agents’ answers. Watch to the end to see what happened after my own favorite question.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

How to Maintain Your Pool During the Hurricane

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Wed, 6 Sep 2017 14:26:00 -0700

Steps to take with your pool before Hurricane Irma hits.

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I got an email this morning from Graham Banks who owns America’s Swimming Pool Company. He sent out a list of what you need to do exactly to get ready for Hurricane Irma.

Before the storm:

You should be adding additional chlorine (or shock) to your swimming pool. This will help prepare your pool for the abundance of rain that will cause a negative impact on your pool’s water chemistry.

Turn off all electrical components of your swimming pool equipment. For example, be sure to turn off all the breakers supplying power to your pump, lights, heater, etc. which will help stop power surges from damaging equipment. Plus, this may protect the equipment if your property is flooded.
Do not put a cover on your swimming pool. This may cause severe damage or rip off the cover to your pool.
Be sure to put away anything that is not secured to the deck. Store all poolside furniture, floats, etc. in a safe space (not in the pool). High winds can potentially turn those loose items into flying projectiles.

After the storm:

Make sure all electrical components of your swimming pool equipment are completely dry before they are powered up again.
Only drain the excess water from your swimming pool down to mid-tile line (or mid-skimmer) so that your skimmer can help clean the surface of the pool.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact any member of our team!

Here is Graham’s contact information:

Graham Banks (owner)

America’s Swimming Pool Company

Serving Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens & Surrounding Areas

PO Box 1640, Jupiter, FL 33468

(561) 203 8960

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Fri, 1 Sep 2017 10:33:00 -0700

Pontiki Boat Cruises
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Cruise In Paradise, Relax In The Tropics

Relax and enjoy the splendid scenery, water and cocktails from the comfort of the open-air tiki bar on the sleek PonTiki party barge. As you cruise the calm waters, listen to some island music and enjoy the good life cruising along Florida’s Intracoastal waterway.

This is the beginning of an adventure for the whole family, a small gathering, a birthday party, or your wedding party. The PonTiki is fun for any occasion. Launching from Guanabanas, you can hop on board for a quick sunset cruise before dinner. All beverages are included with every cruise. Check out our FAQ page if you would like to learn more

Three Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a House

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 08:22:00 -0700

There are three mistakes sellers often make that can be easily avoided. I’ll go over each of them today.

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There are three common mistakes you need to avoid when selling your house:

1. Asking for too much. Everyone wants to make as much money as possible for their house. Who doesn’t want to sell their house for double what it's worth? But the truth is, if you put your house on the market at a price that is unrealistic, it’s going to sit. People always ask, “Why is this house sitting?” We all want to make lots of money, but the truth is that asking too much and letting the house sit for too long will actually get you less money in the end.

2. Not advertising enough. You’ve got to advertise your house, and you’ve got to have a great social media effort on behalf of your Realtor. I can’t tell you how many homes we’ve sold through social media marketing, our met groups, getting out there and talking to people. Advertising means more than just spending money on paper, it means really getting the word out there.

Advertising isn’t just spending money on paper, it’s really getting the word out there!

3. Presenting your home poorly. Often we see pictures on the MLS that are really bad and don’t present the house in a nice way. Above all else, sellers should remember to make a great first impression, and those photographs of your home are just that. Remember to make your house presentable: clean it up, put loose stuff away, and take great photos. Even if a house has great upgrades, if it doesn’t look presentable it may not sell right away or it may sell for less money.

If you have any other questions about preparing your home for the market, give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!

The Costs Associated With Investing in Rental Properties

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 12:17:00 -0700

Is it worth it to invest in a rental property? The answer is yes, but only if you’ve looked at the numbers first.

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Just today, I took three calls about rental properties. Two of those calls were from individuals who aren’t making the money they need to cover rental costs, and the other call from someone who wanted to look into buying a rental property.

When it comes to rental properties, it’s all about the numbers. This house isn’t your primary residence, so it doesn’t necessarily matter what the house looks like. You need to be paying attention to the costs associated with this potential rental property.

When determining how much it will cost to run this property effectively and still make an income, you need to pay attention to additional costs besides the mortgage payment—like taxes, HOA fees, insurance, and other maintenance fees. You should also be including your vacancy rate when determining your bottom line, because your property probably won’t be rented every month out of the year.

Another thing to consider is if you’re going to run the property yourself or have a Realtor put it on the market to find renters for it. If you’re contracting a third party, you have to consider the cost of that as well.

Make sure you have money set aside in your account each month to cover the cost of unexpected repairs.

Are you budgeting money towards repairs? You need to make sure that you have a certain amount of money set aside in your account each month that will take care of any repairs if something breaks.

In the end, after you add everything up, you’ll be able to figure out your yearly net income. You take the total cost of your operating expenses, minus your gross income, and that will give you your net earnings for the year. In order for it to be worth the costs associated with it, your property should have a rental yield of 5% to 6% yearly.

If you have any questions about rental properties, how it works, and finding the correct numbers for a specific property, please give me a call. I can sit down with you and break everything down so it’s easy to understand and you can determine if this rental property is worth your time and money.

If you have any other questions or you’re looking to buy or sell a home in our area, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to help!

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Fri, 7 Jul 2017 13:38:00 -0700

Sideclick Remotes
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Sideclick is easy to program using IR learning technology and can be programmed over multiple devices (example power on/off TV and volume control a sound bar).

Programming occurs in just minutes as there are no complicated source codes. Parents love that Sideclick makes accessing streaming apps quicker and easier for kids who no longer need to fumble with multiple remotes to watch TV. Sideclick’s clip-on design attaches in a snap and allows users to utilize voice-search features which are lost in other universal remote options. Sideclick was successfully funded on Kickstarter in late 2015 and began shipping in May of 2016.

Choose Your Lender Wisely

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 14:42:00 -0700

Hiring the lender with the lowest interest rate possible isn’t always the best idea. There’s a good chance they will actually cost you more than you will save by hiring them.

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Looking to buy a home in Jupiter? Click here to perform a full home search

Most people look for a lender with the lowest interest rate. While having a good rate is important, you need to take the total cost into consideration when deciding. You also need to consider the ability of the lender themself.

The No. 1 reason for frustration, anxiety, and deals falling apart is choosing the wrong lender. If I was going to choose one, I would go with a local lender. Local lenders understand the market, the specific contract in your state, and all the time constraints that need to be met.

When dealing with online lenders and big banks, you might get a slightly lower rate. However, they don’t have their reputation at stake like a local lender does. From my experience, these lenders don’t really pay close attention to time constraints either. If your lender drops the ball, it could not only end up costing you more, it could end up destroying your entire transaction. Nobody wants that.

A local lender makes things so much easier.

A local lender will make your life a whole lot easier. There are plenty of good ones around here, and we’d be happy to refer you to one if you’d like. Buying a home is stressful; you don’t need the added stress of worrying about your lender being able to close on time.

Interest rates are important, but having a lender that understands your market, and the importance of getting your deal done on time is even more important. If you have any questions for us about this topic or anything else about real estate, give us a call or send us an email. We would love to hear from you.

Save Time By Letting The Hybrid Chef Cook for You

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Wed, 24 May 2017 06:01:00 -0700

The Hybrid Chef

"Personalized Meals For People On The Go"

Website: http://www.thehybridchef.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHybridChef/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehybridchef/

Running short on time?

Are you working a lot of late nights? Do the kids have soccer practice? Maybe it's dance lessons or a tutoring session, scouts or swim club? Like many on-the-go families, there never seems to be enough time in the day to plan, prepare and cook a fresh, healthy meal for the ones you love.

Imagine if you could add another five, six or even 10 productive hours to your week. By letting The Hybrid Chef prepare meals for your family, you can focus on what you want.

The Hybrid Chef offers a menu full of high-quality, fresh options that changes every week. There are casual entrees, entrees for the adventurous, Paleo-friendly options, a kids meal, local and/or organic specials, as well as seasonal side dishes.

The Hybrid Chef is also available for in-home parties, dinners and cooking classes-book your event now!

As always, if you have any real estate questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to help you!

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 07:15:00 -0700

Oceana Coffee
"Good Coffee Is...Crafted For You"

Website: http://oceanacoffee.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OceanaCoffee/
Blog: http://oceanacoffee.com/category/blog

Scotty and Amy Angelo started the foundation of Oceana Coffee with a $35 popcorn maker in the kitchen of their south Florida home. Never satisfied with the local coffee offerings in Palm Beach County, the duo sought to replicate the smooth flavor and subtle undertones they’d enjoyed internationally. In 2009, after perfecting their roasting technique, Scotty and Amy opened the first Oceana Coffee location in the heart of Tequesta, Florida.

Local customers can enjoy their favorite blends at both Oceana Coffee locations. Also available to purchase are K-Cups packaged in-house, and ready to drink nitro cold-brew cans. For those who aren’t local, Oceana Coffee blends can be purchased online at oceanacoffee.com

More About Our Wholesale Process

Oceana Coffee is a small-batch coffee roaster with a large-scale wholesale business.We’re committed to maintaining a long-lasting relationship with our partners because they are a top priority. In 2016, we roasted over 45,000 lbs of coffee, and currently work with over 60 wholesale customers. To ensure fresh coffee, we deliver in small batches, once a week. Our wholesale customers can create a blend or select one of our seasonal favorites, and our experts will make on-site visits to help staff and customers better understand our products.

Award Winning Coffee

Compak Golden Bean Competition- 2015, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal Winner
Compak Golden Bean Competition- 2016 Overall Champion, Gold Medal Winner
Australian International Coffee Awards- 2016 Bronze Medal Winner for 2 espresso blends
Australian International Coffee Awards- 2017 Silver Medal Winner for 2 espresso blends

You Don't Need an Exotic Car to Feel Welcome at Bubba's Exotic Motorcars

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 06:16:00 -0700

"If you can dream it, we can build it."

Bubba's Exotic Motorsports

https://www.bubbascustomcars.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BubbasMotorsports/

Our Mission

We want to be the design / fabrication & build facility you turn to for all your automotive needs, wants, and/or desires! "If You Can Dream It, We Can Build It"

Since 2004, when we opened our doors in small town Fairfax, VA, we have grown to be recognized as an international dominating force providing our clients with the best quality service in the industry that money can buy. Now, 2017, we are proud to announce that we have officially relocated to our all inclusive, State-Of-The-Art Facility in beautiful & sunny South Florida where we will continue to grow to the top and outperform our competitors and continue to satisfy every person that walks through our doors!

We want nothing more than to keep you and your ride top notch, have unbeatable performance & reliability and be safe on the road!

Whether you own a Classic Car, Hot Rod, Exotic, Bike, Truck or Modern Performance vehicle, we’re the place to come to when you have any wants, needs, and/or desires! At Bubba's Exotic Motorsports, we don't let you walk out the door without blowing your expectations further than you could have ever envisioned!

Our Team

Our award winning team is highly skilled, has years of experience & our facility is outfitted with the most state-of-the-art equipment found in the industry! We are sponsored by the largest names in industry & our motto is "If You Can Dream It, We Can Build It" Whether it’s our quick, quality, friendly service or the honesty and value we bring to every interaction, our customers love us.

Long-Term Business

We’re committed to providing you with the highest level of service and the absolute best money can buy so you’ll always choose us!

Our first-time customers continually become our long term customers time and time again, choosing us for all of their needs, wants and desires because here at Bubba's Exotic Motorsports, your satisfaction is our goal!

We’re committed to being number one and a house-hold name in this industry and to serving you with quality & value. Bring your car or idea(s) in today, and see what our commitment-to-quality is all about! We may not be related, but you’ll feel like we’re family!

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 08:47:00 -0800

Keeping it Non-Toxic with Prim and Pure Creator Kelli Jackson

www.primandpure.co

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS (from Greenly Guide)

1) Like a lot of moms, I know you mentioned becoming very aware of toxins and chemicals after you had children - what was it that finally inspired you to take action to create Prim and Pure?

After dealing with my own endocrine health issues and working with some other natural product companies, I started blogging and working with some groups in my community. Over the past few years, the amount of growth in the industry has been astonishing and I’ve loved watching so many new products and companies come to the market giving consumers more choices. There are so many great green beauty brands now, however; I struggled to find clean products at reasonable price points for parents and children, so that’s when I set the wheels in motion to start my own line.

2) Having just launched in November 2016, can you share a little about Prim and Pure as a company and what someone can expect from your products?

When I decided to start my own line, I laid out what was most important to me. Those things ended up being safety, affordability and social impact. There are many products I could push to market but the quality or integrity of ingredients aren’t there. There are other products I would love to offer but right now, I can’t source them at affordable enough prices I’d want for my customers. Lastly, I want to make an impact….. that’s why I work as hard as I do. If I wanted to make more money, I’d take my MBA and go back to my corporate 9-5 job….. but now what’s more important to me is my kids and following my passion, and Prim and Pure has been that outlet to help spread awareness and offer safer alternatives.

3) Do you have a favorite product in the line? What was the first product you created?

Great question. Funny enough the first product I worked on was the one that actually tested my patience and aggravated me the most! Nail Polish is a tricky product. There are dozens of companies now making 5 Free, 7 Free, etc. type polishes which leads consumers to assume it must be a safe product and stop looking further to see what else is really in the polish besides just what it’s free of – when you take out something, you have to replace it with something else. I was determined to offer a water-based polish that also didn’t require the use of polish removers which are also known to contain many harmful chemicals.

Water based polishes consist of 75% or more of water, and trying to get a water base to act like a paint and form a hard film that’s going to last for a period of time on top of a porous nail surface can be challenging. Hence, not many main stream companies are attempting these formulas because it’s expensive and they don’t perform as long as their conventional counterparts. Nitrocellulose resins are the most commonly used because they are really cheap to formulate with. Prim and Pure polishes are 5 Free and also without nitrocellulose, glycol ethers, biphenyl A, acetates, acetone, alcohol, FD&C colors….. and instead we use a water and fruit and veggie base. They truly are odorless, and if you have a polish that gives off odor – you need to ask yourself what ingredient that might be!

That being said, the manufacturing process for the polishes ended up delaying my launch and frustrated the heck out of me because I was so excited to get going, but I’m so glad I waited because they came out beautiful! I’m excited to offer more colors as the business grows and I can invest in more inventory.

4) Are there any items that you think Moms would want to borrow from their daughter's stash of Prim and Pure products?

Yes! I’ve had many moms coming back to purchase lip glosses, perfumes and eye shadows for themselves! The lip glosses for sure right now have been a huge hit! The shades are really beautiful and they wear very well while also being very nourishing for your lips! Hard to find many green beauty products under $10 with clean ingredients, but like I said that was one of my goals!

5) How do you stay motivated as a mom and a business owner?

Pure and simple…. Passion! Sure some days are hard, and I get frustrated when my kids are storming through my office while I’m packing orders, but I’ve been getting better about finding the balance that works for all of us as a family. My motivation comes from my kids, my customers, and the constant feedback I get about how much I’ve helped a person or their family get their health back just by creating awareness about our surroundings. When you know you’re making a difference, even just the smallest bit….. that’s all the motivation you need to keep going, no matter how hard it gets or how high that stack of bills grow.

6) What are your favorite ways to relax after a long day?

My guilty pleasure is wine! No shame, it keeps me sane! I find my balance through healthy and clean eating J

7) I loved reading on your website about your passion for giving back - for every sale made, Prim and Pure donates to various children's causes - can you talk a little about some of these organizations that you have worked with so far?

Right now, I’ve been working with a lot of local events and causes – whether its donating product for various events or raising money for a specific cause or sick child in need. My customer base has been mostly local, but as the brand grows and the business becomes profitable, I am looking forward to working with larger organizations and programs to make an even bigger impact while also continuing to support my local community as well.

8) What has been the best part about your journey to open Prim and Pure? What has been the hardest?

The best part is making a difference and seeing the delight on all the kids faces playing with and enjoying my products. When customers send me their photos of their little ones, my heart melts inside each time – seeing all the fun they are having and also knowing they aren’t burdening their bodies with harmful chemicals.

The hardest has definitely been the back end…. as with any entrepreneur the ideas come easy for me, but the expense and execution have proven challenging. My husband sold something very important to him to raise enough funds for me to purchase my first batch of inventory to get launched, and it was scary for me to take that risk and leap. I hope to pay him back one day…… I have the passion to succeed so I will keep grinding!

9) Can you share with us any exciting future plans for your brand?

I have so many great ideas, I just need to continue to grow the brand so that I can continue to execute future lines and products. The process to just get one product ready from start the finish is a lot more challenging than it seems. Prim and Pure was never intended to be a lines just for girls or moms….. but that was what I launched with. I have plans to create fun products for boys as well! Stay tuned and follow us for future exciting updates!

We’re Sharing the Love This Valentine’s Day

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 10:38:00 -0800

Have you entered our “Share the Love” contest yet? If you want the chance at a $100 gift certificate for Valentine’s dinner, your time is running out.

Looking to sell a home in Jupiter? Click here for a Home Price Evaluation

Looking to buy a home in Jupiter? Click here to perform a full home search

We had such a great time doing our “12 Days of Christmas” contest that we decided to do something fun for our clients for Valentine’s Day as well. It’s a contest called “Share the Love” and the winners will go out to Valentine’s Day dinner on us.

From now until February 10th, we are inviting you to enter our contest for a chance to have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants on Valentine’s Day. We will give away five gift certificates worth $100 each to five great restaurants in the area. We already have your reservations set.

All you have to do to enter is visit our Facebook page.

All you have to do to enter is visit our Facebook page, then like, tag three friends, and share the post that contains the video above in it. Make sure you like our page while you’re at it so you can keep up to date with other contest and giveaways we will have coming up in the future.

If you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. Good luck, and may the best couple win!

A Discussion With Local Entrepreneur Tim Vogel

john@simmondsteam.com (The Simmonds Team) — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 07:20:00 -0800

This is our first in a series of videos highlighting local entrepreneurs. First up is Tim Vogel of Scenthound Plus Grooming.

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Looking to buy a home in Jupiter? Click here to perform a full home search

Meet the Vogels, Owners of Scenthound

Website Facebook

Bio

In 2005 Tim Vogel, formerly of Flexcar in Washington DC, relocated to South Florida to turn his passion for dogs into a business.

Vogel founded Pet Groomerie as a mobile dog grooming business and then expanded with grooming salons. Over 11 years, Pet Groomerie has grown to be recognized as one of the foremost pet businesses in Palm Beach County. After several years caring for all sorts of dogs, he began to realize that 80% of dogs people own do not need haircuts. This is when Vogel had his ah-ha moment and realized that because 80% of dogs do not need regular haircuts they were most likely not getting the routine care they need in order to stay comfortable and healthy.

Vogel passionately believes every dog needs essential care like bathing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care, and too many dogs out there are not getting the care that they need because dog parents either don’t know they need it or don’t know an easy and affordable way to get it. Thus, Scenthound was born.

In 2013, Vogel founded Scenthound to offer an alternative to traditional grooming. The “SCENT” in the name “Scenthound” comes from the five main areas Scenthound focuses on for dogs: skin, coat, ears, nails and teeth. Scenthound does everything but haircuts, which means they can care for your pet while you wait and for a fraction of the cost. In 2015 the first Scenthound was opened in Boynton Beach and Vogel then converted existing Pet Groomerie locations to Scenthound Plus. Vogel is committed to bringing preventative maintenance to every dog.

Scenthound’s signature service, the “Essential Care Pack," includes a conditioning bath, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing as a while-you-wait service. This critical monthly maintenance is offered at three membership levels in Scenthound’s Monthly Care Club, plus discounts on additional services. With regular preventive care, every dog is more comfortable, healthier, and happier.

They can give dogs all the care they need in 15 minutes.

Vogel’s Scenthound is a new concept in regular dog care and maintenance that is revolutionizing the dog care industry and is poised to be the wave of the future in this billion dollar space.

Interview

1. Explain your business/product/service.

We are a monthly dog care club that offers routine care and maintenance…things like bathing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing. Our mission at Scenthound is to help all dogs get the essential care they need to stay clean and healthy. Our vision is to change how dog parents care for their dogs by making monthly maintenance the norm. We opened our business doors in 2005 in Jupiter with a mobile grooming van. We now have four mobile units in addition to retail locations in Jupiter, WPB, Boynton Beach and soon-to-be Wellington.

2. What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture? How did the idea for your business come about?

Initially the decision was about freedom and quality of life. I wanted the ability to blaze my own path instead walking one that someone else created. The idea for the business came from researching business that combined my experience and my passions. We were new dog parents when I started the mobile grooming business and my love for our dog, Aggie, inspired me.

3. How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?

It starts with our value system. At Scenthound, we have been very deliberate about crafting a set of core values that inform our decision making and guide our culture. We hire based on how well candidates align with those values.

4. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?

Our most successful marketing is our involvement in the community. One example is a program we created for Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. It’s called “A Clean Start,” and we provide every dog adopted from the League with information on routine care for their new dog as well as free services to start them off on the right track.

5. Why will people buy your product/service (and not something else)?

Trust is a significant part of a dog parent’s decision making, and we work very hard to be worthy of that trust. At Scenthound, we are all animal advocates and dog lovers and we put an emphasis on continuous learning so that we stay at the top of our game.

6. What were/are some of the main challenges you faced at the beginning of your venture?

There are always challenges when starting a new business. A big one for us was being able to attract the right employees when our business was young. Cashflow was also a challenge — having enough time and money to get the business off the ground was difficult in the early stages. Staying open and being adaptable are critical with a new business — no matter how smart you think you are, you must stay open to new ideas and to the possibility of changing course.

7. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

a. Optimism
b. A Growth Mindset
c. Perseverance
8. What are your goals?

To continue to grow our business and ultimately make monthly maintenance the new norm for dog parents everywhere.

9. Does your company help the community?

Yes! Our community involvement is a very important part of our business. Educating dog parents about the importance of routine care and maintenance is one of our key initiatives and we partner with many organizations that share our goals and values.

10. If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?

I would say that, to thrive in business, you must have a growth mindset. The one thing that is certain is change, and in order to stay relevant, you must be constantly learning. A great way to do that is to surround yourself with people who share the perspective that if you’re not learning, you’re not growing.

Thanks to Tim for joining us today for this first episode. We are looking forward to sitting down with other local business leaders and entrepreneurs in the area next time. If you have any questions for us or know someone who should be on our next video, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.