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 RENTAL SERVICES - THERE IS A DIFFERENCE! Highly mobile families often find that renting before buying is the safest short-term option. Newcomers to any community find that REALTORS who provide professional rental services make the transition into a new home both a smooth and comfortable one. All rental management services are not the same. When considering rental services, it's important to weigh several factors. Inventory - Does the firm you are considering offer homes in the neighborhoods and price ranges you are interested in? Are there enough homes in the firm's inventory to offer an adequate selection? Convenience - Does the firm maintain office hours that fit your needs? What are their procedures for handling after hour emergencies? Service - How long will it take to process your lease application? Are credit services on-line? What kind of maintenance services are provided? How well are the homes in their inventory maintained? Reputation - How is the firm perceived in the community? Is the company known for integrity and fairness with its tenants? ERA Neubauer Real Estate, Inc., has long recognized the importance of providing quality rental services. Our inventory is the largest in our market area and includes a variety of choices from comfortable patio or townhomes to homes to large waterfront properties. Neubauer Real Estate, Inc. is nationally recognized as one of approximately 1200 Accredited Management Organizations (AMO), employing a Certified Property Manager (CPM). The designation is awarded to firms which have a proven record for high ethical standards and sound business practices. At Neubauer Real Estate, Inc., we place a high priority on property maintenance. Our property management staff is accessible to handle problems or emergencies 7 days per week on a 24 hour basis. The responsibility we have to the property owner is to protect their investment, while at the same time, provide a high quality service to our rental customers. Services are handled as quickly and efficiently as possible by qualified personnel. Rental applications are processed immediately. A direct computer link to the credit bureau provides us with instant credit qualification to decrease approval waiting time. To further expedite our service, many applications are processed before the customer arrives in town, and in many cases we can correspond with owners overseas instantly on the world wide web. Because of our commitment to professionalism, Neubauer Real Estate, Inc., is recognized in the community as a leader in providing rental management services. We enjoy an excellent working relationship with the military housing offices, the business community, and other area REALTORS. When considering rental services, consider the differences. Then give us a call. We're happy to serve you. |
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 Many relocating families hear horror stories about landlords not fixing leaking roofs, forfeiting damage deposits, forced vacancy due to the unexpected return of the homeowner, unreasonable rent increases with lease renewal, and a variety of other major problems. If owning your own home in Panama City is not a viable option, you can take steps to ensure a reasonably comfortable landlord-tenant relationship and trouble-free tenancy: STEP 1: Know who you're dealing with. Dealing with a reputable Landlord and REALTOR offers distinct advantages. While the Florida Landlord-Tenant Act is designed to protect an unwary tenant from unfair Landlord practices, the real key to enjoying your rental home is to avoid serious conflict altogether. Military personnel should always visit the base housing office before entering into a lease agreement. STEP 2: Insist that EVERYTHING you agree upon is put into writing and signed by all parties. Often the most serious disagreements are the result of misunderstandings between the tenant and the Landlord. Many people believe in the "keep it simple" approach to leasing; an easy-to-read one page agreement that does not address some very important issues that could arise. The carefully drafted lease will protect all parties from misunderstanding. A lease should always be reviewed by a licensed attorney. This is a standard procedure at Neubauer Real Estate, Inc. Be wary of "do-it-yourself" landlord-lawyers or know-it-all acquaintances that insist on preparing the lease themselves. STEP 3: Protect your damage/security deposit. Your lease, or preferably a separate agreement, should spell out the detailed conditions for refund of your deposit. This should always be accompanied by a thorough inspection when moving in and out of the property to avoid being accused of causing pre-existing conditions. If you still feel uncomfortable about the deposit agreement, a roll of film might be a wise investment to help you document existing damage or problems. STEP 4: Try to anticipate possible changes in your housing needs. If there is a possibility of your relocation by the military or other employer, negotiate a relocation release agreement to prevent double rent payments. Regardless of your ability to secure this type of provision, find out if you would be relieved of your lease obligations upon substitution of an acceptable tenant and what the charges for such a transition might be. REMEMBER: Your lease is a binding, legal document. Make sure you fully understand it! Hire an attorney if you have any doubts whatsoever. |
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 MAKING THAT IMPORTANT DECISION... IS THIS THE RIGHT TIME TO BUY A HOUSE? Perhaps you've heard the University of Florida Research statistics which rate the Panama City and Bay County area as one of the top areas for investment potential in the State. Or maybe you have heard horror stories of a relocating homeowners who were unable to sell their homes. No doubt renting a home is often an easy option as the years go by. Are you are asking yourself whether or not to take a closer look at home ownership when faced with the decision yet again. Will owning a home save money on your income taxes? Will monthly housing expenses benefit you and your future financial security, or is the risk of loss sufficient to compel you to consider paying rent for the benefit of another landlord? Home ownership is not the best choice for everyone, but many renters are seriously weighing their options. More than a million families become homeowners in the United States every year. Staff members at Neubauer Real Estate understand the concerns that prospective homeowners face. With one of the largest inventories of rental properties and homes for sale, we are prepared to help you explore the alternatives so that you can make the decision best for you. Consider these questions asked frequently by many renters: __ Will I live in the Panama City area for the next three years or longer? __ Is my income likely to remain stable while I live in Panama City? __ Do I have several thousand dollars in savings and/or a VA mortgage eligibility? __ Would a mortgage lender consider my credit history to be satisfactory? __ Do I feel remorse every time I write a rent check, knowing it's money down the drain? __ Am I tired of asking the landlord to make repairs, or for permission to paint or decorate? __ Is the selection of rental properties too limited due to my desire to own or keep a family pet? As a general rule, home ownership may be a risky option if you think your stay in Bay County will be for less than three years. This is also dependent upon the real estate growth rate (if any) during that period, the equity you build, and market conditions when it's time to sell. Sooner or later you'll be faced with a decision to either sell your home or hold it as a rental investment. If you're uncertain about the stability of your employment, any home buying decision should probably be postponed. Some accumulation of cash is certainly necessary, however many people mistakenly assume that substantial cash reserves are required to buy a home. Down payments can range from - 0- on VA financing to as low as 3% on FHA or 5% on conventional mortgages. Closing costs and other associated charges generally range from 1% to 6% of the sale price. Home ownership can offer several obvious advantages. Earning equity in a home is an important step toward personal financial security and is a stepping stone to a larger and finer home should appreciation in value take place. Appreciation is a relatively traditional phenomenon resulting from a variety of economic influences, many of which are present in a fast growing area like Bay County. The principal portion of each monthly mortgage payment reduces the mortgage balance also and builds equity in the property. Timely payment of a home mortgage is one of the best ways to demonstrate your financial credibility and enhance your credit rating. Interest and property taxes are deductible expenses that will reduce the "real" cost of home ownership, a major advantage over paying rent. Perhaps the most compelling reason for choosing home ownership is the everyday lifestyle benefits. Improvements can be made without a landlord's consent. You can have a pet, repaint or wallpaper rooms or enjoy creating your own landscaping ideas, all of which can be a benefit to you when it comes time to sell. TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS Comparing home ownership to renting involves more than just comparing the monthly rent and mortgage payment. The tax benefits, both long and short term, should be carefully weighed. If you could own a home for less than it would cost to rent, the decision to buy would be easy. What if home ownership actually costs more? You must decide if the extra funds spent each month are a worthwhile expense in order to buy an opportunity for equity growth, improved credit and lifestyle control. BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE BAY COUNTY REAL ESTATE MARKET When it's time to start looking for a first home, the entire process may seem a bit confusing, perhaps even intimidating. The sales executives at ERA Neubauer Real Estate, Inc., will patiently counsel, guide, and assist you, and without any cost to you whatsoever. Time will be taken to complete a financing pre-qualification and to view the properties of your choice from the entire Bay County home inventory available through the multiple listing service. When you find the home you're looking for, a qualified staff member will clearly explain all details of financing and guide you through the offer and negotiating process. Later, you will be assisted with the closing details of the transaction and receive guidance on property inspections and other important matters. A good starting point is to review the real estate terms in the glossary. Throughout the process, it's always beneficial to ask questions about these terms. Your associate will be happy to provide you with answers. Buying a home can be simple and even enjoyable. DON'T SKIP IMPORTANT STEPS Let your agent and mortgage loan originator do his or her job. Pre-qualification is an important part of the process, it's not complicated or time-consuming, and can save you a considerable amount of time and money. Discuss the various types of mortgages available and the advantages of each. Take the time to get all of your questions answered. Review and discuss properties and neighborhoods before looking at the entire market. MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION At some point, almost all buyers have some doubt about the decision they have made. This is generally true about all major purchases and is evidenced by that sudden "what have I done?" feeling. The phenomenon often takes place when you're signing an offer to purchase, writing checks for substantial amounts, or signing sale contracts or closing documents. The feeling is so common that it is often referred to by people in various sales fields as "buyer remorse". Please remind yourself: You've moved carefully through the entire process, the lender has given you sound financial advice and pre-qualified you for an affordable mortgage. You are not making a rash decision- but a major one. Remember, you're investing in your future. |
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