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Online Notaries Come to the Rescue on Transactions

Online Notaries Come to the Rescue on Transactions

Online Notaries Come to the Rescue on Transactions

While real estate pros adapt in light of a global pandemic, a digital notary is helping to complete remote closings to keep sales on track. Notarize, part of the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2017 tech accelerator Reach class, predicts that it will process at least $100 billion in transactions on its platform this year. That is up from about $10 billion last year, the company says.

“A lot of our partner industries are in crisis right now because they cannot complete really important transactions,” Pat Kinsel, Notarize’s chief executive, told The Wall Street Journal.

Notarize allows notaries to complete documents from their mobile devices or desktops 24 hours per day in states that allow the process. More than 20 states have laws allowing electronic notarization. Some states are scrambling to add them. For example, in March, New York issued executive orders to permit them. Also, in March, the U.S. Senate introduced a federal bill on electronic notarization. Read more: NAR Urges Swift Passage of Remote Notarization Bill

The real estate industry is finding ways to adapt to shelter-in-place rules started as states manage the the COVID-19 pandemic, to keep pending home sales heading to the settlement table. In states where electronic notarizations are still not accepted, some home sales are being completed in parking lots or drive-thru windows. A notary may pass documents through car windows and watch papers being signed. Read Drive-Thru Closings: The Sale Must Go On

In states that do allow electronic notarizations, closings can take place practically anywhere. The technology to allow remote home closings has been around for years. But, while many brokerages and title companies have continued to rely heavily on paper and fax, they’re now examining new procedures.

“Between appraisals and notaries and county clerk’s offices, there’s a lot of obstacles to just getting people to be able to close their mortgages,” Vishal Garg, chief executive of Better.com, an online mortgage company, told The Wall Street Journal.

Companies that tout remote solutions for home buyers and home sellers are reporting unprecedented demand, The Wall Street Journal reports. As brokerages adopt new technology to aid in the closing process, some real estate executives predict this could become a prominent method to move closings forward, and one that customers may prefer.

“Even without the coronavirus, I don’t see me going to the closing table anymore,” Darry Dkystra, who used an electronic notarization service in late March to remotely close on an investment home in Plant City, Fla., told The Wall Street Journal.

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

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April Home Maintenance Check list

April Home Maintenance Check list

April Home Maintenance Check list


Now that you’re prepared for rainy springtime, it’s time to use the last few months of spring to get ready for summer. Make sure that you complete your spring cleaning in your kitchen.

PEST CONTROL
April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring bugs in large quantities. As pests begin to emerge in the springtime, keep your eye out for signs of pests and consider spraying your home!

ATTIC INSPECTION
As the weather warms up, it’s time to make sure everything is working well in your attic and there haven’t been any leaks. Keep your eye out for rusted nails, stains on the roof, or damaged wood. Make sure that bathroom fans are venting to the outside and not into the attic space, as that can cause a build-up of moisture and mold. If your attic only has insulation for flooring, make most of this into a visual inspection to be safe.

TUNE UP AIR CONDITIONER
Call a professional to get your air conditioner running for summer. If you have a home warranty, you can get a tune-up for a small service call fee. You will have your condenser coils cleaned, your filters replaced, and your refrigerant levels, contacts, condensation lines, and thermostat checked.

VACUUM HVAC
After getting the air conditioner tuned-up by a professional, you should clean it. Unplug the unit before getting started and wipe away any dirt and debris from the case and the blades that are on top of the unit. Then, gently vacuum the fins on the outside of your unit. You should also clean around the unit to make sure there are no blockages that will stop air from being taken into the unit and cooled.

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

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Existing home sales-February

Existing home sales-February

Existing home sales-February

Existing-home sales climbed substantially in February after a slight decline in January, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Of the four major regions, only the Northeast reported a drop in sales, while other areas saw increases, including sizable sales gains in the West.

Total existing-home sales,1 https://www.nar.realtor/existing-home-sales, completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 6.5% from January to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.77 million in February. Additionally, for the eighth straight month, overall sales greatly increased year-over-year, up 7.2% from a year ago (5.38 million in February 2019).

“February’s sales of over 5 million homes were the strongest since February 2007,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “I would attribute that to the incredibly low mortgage rates and the steady release of a sizable pent-up housing demand that was built over recent years.”

The median existing-home price2 for all housing types in February was $270,100, up 8.0% from February 2019 ($250,100), as prices rose in every region. February’s price increase marks 96 straight months of year-over-year gains.

Yun noted that February’s home sales were encouraging but not reflective of the current turmoil in the stock market or the significant hit the economy is expected to take because of the coronavirus and corresponding social quarantines. “These figures show that housing was on a positive trajectory, but the coronavirus has undoubtedly slowed buyer traffic and it is difficult to predict what short-term effects the pandemic will have on future sales,” Yun said.

Total housing inventory3 at the end of February totaled 1.47 million units, up 5.0% from January, but down 9.8% from one year ago (1.63 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 3.1-month supply at the current sales pace, equal to the supply recorded in January and down from the 3.6-month figure recorded in February 2019.

Properties typically remained on the market for 36 days in February, seasonally down from 43 days in January, and down from 44 days in February 2019. Forty-seven percent of homes sold in February 2020 were on the market for less than a month.

First-time buyers were responsible for 32% of sales in February, equal to the percentages seen in both January 2020 and in February 2019. NAR’s 2019 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers – released in late 20194 – revealed that the annual share of first-time buyers was 33%.

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

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Just Listed – 1144 Cypress Pointe Blvd, Davenport 33896

Just Listed – 1144 Cypress Pointe Blvd, Davenport 33896

1144 Cypress Pointe Blvd, Davenport, FL

For Sale

$ Click for current price
5 BEDROOMS | 2817 SqFt

Location! Location! Location! Situated within 15 minutes of Disney, this beautifully designed and decorated home will suit the most discerning buyer and renters. This popular Eagle Bay floor plan has everything you or your guests could want. This tastefully decorated home has been designed for fun! fun! fun! This home has a movie theater complete with reclining seats and bar seating as well as an adult entertainment area with pool table and TV . If that isn’t enough, the garage has also been converted into a family games room but could easily be converted back into a garage should the buyer be looking for a residential property. The spacious pool and spa with covered lanai to the rear of the property provides amply space to relax by the pool or fun in the sun. Featuring downstairs master suite and four additional bedrooms upstairs including a delightful jungle theme bedroom for your wannabe explorer. Time to have fun! Whether you are looking for a second home or investment property or primary residence, this home is a must see! This executive family home will suit the most discerning buying looking a quiet retreat but wants the convenience and excitement that Central Florida has to offer. Book to see this home, you will not be disappointed!

 

Just Listed – 804 New Providence Promenade #19104, Davenport 33897

Just Listed – 804 New Providence Promenade #19104, Davenport 33897

804 New Providence Promenade #19104, Davenport, FL

For Sale

$ Click for current price
2 BEDROOMS | 1307 SqFt

Stop, look and book your viewing appointment. This home is for you! Perfect investment property located in the desirable condo resort of Bahama Bay nestled along the shoreline of Lake Davenport. This beautiful ground floor condo rents well on the in-house management program and has beautiful views of the natural pond behind so don’t forget your binoculars. This upgraded condo has been lovingly maintained and upgraded over the years by the current owners who have installed dimmable LED lights throughout the condo, wood plank tiles in all areas but the bathrooms which have traditional tiles, cabinets and bedroom furniture have been refinished, and living room furniture was updated in 2018. This successful rental property benefits from two bedrooms including the spacious master bedroom. Enjoy the spectacular views of the wildlife visiting the pond – located in building 19, it’s a two minute walk to Tradewinds restaurant and the lake front amenities. Close enough for you and your guests to enjoy but far enough away you don’t have to listen to the joyful screams and laughter from people enjoying the awesome amenities this resort has to offer. This well planned community has an abundance of amenities spread throughout the community – 4 community pools, hot tub spas, beach side bar and restaurant, fishing pier, walking trail, shuffleboard, gym, etc. What more can you ask for?!!! Located close to Disney, easy access to I4 for the theme parks, airports or either coast. Live the Florida lifestyle.

 

Pending 8087 Roaring Creek Ct, Kissimmee 34747

Pending 8087 Roaring Creek Ct, Kissimmee 34747

8087 Roaring Creek Ct, Kissimmee, FL

Under Contract

$ Click for current price
4 BEDROOMS | 1760 SqFt

Located at the end of a cul-de-sac on one of the largest parcels in the community is this bright and airy singly family pool home. The split floor plan features two bedrooms at the front of the home sharing a house bathroom while the master with en-suite (dual sinks, tub and separate shower) is located to the rear of the home. A fourth bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and the entire home benefits from roof skylights providing lots of natural light throughout the main living areas. Zoned for short term rental and being just minutes from Disney and amazing shops and restaurants on Hwy 192 would make an ideal vacation home or primary residence. Tiled throughout with a fully equipped kitchen with space to eat overlooking the breakfast nook and great room. Outside the south facing pool and spa provides plenty of room for relaxing or entertaining and the covered lanai is large enough to allow al-fresco dining – all with the benefit on no rear neighbors and lots of yard space. New roof in 2019 – easy to show and easy to sell