Winter Haven News

What is all of the talk about August 17th?

As a result of the Sitzer/Burnett lawsuit settlement between NAR and the plaintiffs, the National Association of Realtors will be implementing some changes to the real estate buying process effective August 17, 2024. There are really 2 key points for buyers to understand from the policy changes.

The first change is that all buyers will need to sign a Buyer Brokerage Agreement to view any homes with a Realtor going forward. This agreement has always been available but rarely used. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of the Realtor and Buyer. It will include the term of the agreement and how the real estate agent will be paid for services...

The Essex Down Payment Assistance Loan Program is a national program that offers up to 3.5% of the purchase price towards your down payment and closing costs.

Here are some of the guidelines:
1. Credit score of at least 640
2. FHA Loans only
3. Grant is forgivable after 10 years
4. First time or repeat homebuyers


NOW is the time to start looking for your home! Ready to get started? Give me a call.

Have you considered moving to the Lakeland, Winter Haven area in Central Florida? Many have made this move. A recent US Census study shows the child population ages 0-14 increased in these 2 cities by 11% making it to the top 5 metro areas growing in child population from 2020 to 2023 in the nation. Of course, they did not come alone. The study further points out the working age population ages 15-64 also increased 14.3% also making it to the top 5 metro areas growing in the nation.

What is the attraction to this area? There are many reasons for this growth. We will start with it being in Central Florida. You have easy access to Orlando and Tampa without being in the middle of a major ci...

Florida Assist Loan Program

If you’re a first time homebuyer or have not bought a home in the last 3 years, the Florida Assist Loan Program might be for you. This down payment assistance program is always available. This program provides $10k that could be used for down payment, closing costs, prepaids or a combination of these.

Here are some of the guidelines:
1. Credit score of at least 640
2. This loan is a silent 2nd mortgage that doesn’t require payments or accrue interest
3. The loan must be paid back when the property is sold or refinanced

NOW is the time to start looking for your home! Ready to get started? Give me a call.

If you’re a first time homebuyer or have not bought a home in the last 3 years, this EXCITING NEWS is for you. This program is no longer restricted to only veterans or first responders. The extremely popular Hometown Heroes down payment assistance program will get $100 million in funding on July 1!

This program provides 5% down payment assistance up to $35k with a minimum of $10k that could be used for down payment, closing costs, prepaids or a combination of these.

Here are some of the guidelines:
1. One occupying borrower must work full-time with a FL based employer
2. Borrower(s) that work from home, must report to or work out of a specific FL location to qualify
3. Credit score of at l...

What is the better choice with asphalt shingles, 3-tab or dimensional architectural shingles?

I get this question all of the time. I am sure the answer is probably different depending on where you live. This blog is the opinion of living in Florida which is a hurricane state.

The 3-tab shingles, which are used often, provides that smooth look across your roof with the shingles laying flat. Many homeowners like this look as it is uniform. In Florida, the life expectancy of this shingle can vary between 13 to 17 years with the average being about 15 years of life.

The dimensional or architectural shingles as they are sometimes called are layered on your roof. When looking across your roo...

If you’re a first time homebuyer, this EXCITING NEWS is for you. The extremely popular Hometown Heroes down payment assistance program will get $100 million in funding on July 1!

While the guidelines for this new allotment haven’t been released just yet, the last version of this program provided 5% down payment assistance up to $35k with a minimum of $10k that could be used for down payment, closing costs, prepaids or a combination of these.

NOTE: These funds always deplete quickly! In order to reserve your share, you must be under contract. Which means NOW is the time to start looking for your home!

Ready to get started? Give me a call.

David Shippey
Xcellence Realty, Inc.

Thinking about selling your home? Make sure you choose the right realtor!

From comparative market analysis, estimated net sheets, and open houses to professional photos, social media advertising and website features, I make sure to deliver unforgettable service and undeniable results.

But don’t just take my word for it. Search “David Shippey realtor reviews” and see what my previous customers had to say about their experience.

Mention seeing this post, and I’ll run the numbers to get you the lowest possible commission for your property. PLUS you’ll get $500 back from me at closing for seller closing costs!

Thinking about doing a garage conversion?

If you need more living space, a possibility for more space would be to convert your garage to a living area. Two car garages average about 400sqft living area while a one car garage will give you about 300sqft. This can be a big addition to your living space if you do not need the garage for your cars. Some of the options could include a large bedroom with a bath, family room, office, craft room, movie theater, game room, gym, in-law suite to name a few.

What does it take for such a project? I would recommend getting a professional licensed general contractor to accomplish your goal. This will ensure your conversion is up to code requirements. ...

Ready to buy a house but feel overwhelmed with all the elements that go into finding the right home for you?

Working with a realtor you can trust changes everything!

I’ve been a full-time, licensed real estate professional since 2005, so I’ve seen and navigated nearly every scenario possible. My promise to you boils down to unforgettable service and undeniable results.

Seeing is believing! When you choose me as your realtor and mention this post, I’ll waive the transaction fee most realtors charge and pay for your first and hopefully only home inspection (up to a $500 value)! Plus, you’ll gain access to the nearly 5,000 home listings currently available in Polk County.

Search “David Shippey...

I just received a low appraisal value on my home or the home I am purchasing. What do I do? Although the report may look intimidating, there are several key points to investigate to make sure something was not overlooked. Two of those key points are the condition and quality rating. I have received some very low appraisals that just don't make sense only to find the condition and or quality were incorrectly entered. You will find these on each of the properties used in comparison and most importantly the subject property.

Here are the Condition Categories:
C1 - Recently constructed; not previously occupied; new components, fixtures, and mechanical systems
C2 - No deferred maintenance; mini...

Here are my top two reasons to consider a new-build:

1) Builders often offer incentives!

Some builders pay your closing costs. When purchasing a new home, this can amount to as much as $13,000 of savings! Some builders buy down your interest rate. This can reduce your monthly mortgage payments. Some builders offer an upgrade package (like an appliance upgrade) at no additional cost to you.

2) Brand new means... N E W!

On a well-built home, this means you should not have any serious maintenance or repair demands for the next 12-15 years. This can be a HUGE savings. Don't want to wait 9-12 months to build a home from scratch? Many builders have move-in ready homes available or ones that...

When will the mortgage interest rates go down so I can buy a home?

If you find yourself asking this question, I’ve got good news for you!

As a licensed real estate professional, I watch the interest rates very closely. Here’s a mini state of the rates if you will…

Interest rates started to decline on October 26, 2023 after reaching a high of 7.79%. The rates continued to drop every week over the next 10 weeks and closed out 2023 at 6.61%. That may not seem like a lot but dropping over 1% in 2 months is BIG.

It’s forecasted that interest rates will continue to drop in 2024. I believe there’s a good chance we could reach percents in the low 6’s or maybe even into the 5’s within the first quar...

Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is not homeowner’s insurance for the buyer. It is insurance required by lenders to protect their loan investment. If you stop paying your mortgage and the bank forecloses, they will collect the PMI. It is meant to protect the lender on loans where the buyer does not give a down payment of at least 20%. The thought is the bank will recoup 20% of the loan from the PMI and then sell your home for at least 80% or more to recapture their investment.

What does that mean to me as a buyer? The biggest takeaway is that it exists and does increase your mortgage as it is included in your payment. It can be from $75 to $200 of your mortgage payment. If you used a mo...

I have noticed more and more homes are being sold with solar panels. Many Homeowners have acquired solar panel systems in order to reduce their electricity costs. While this is a desired approach for many homeowners, there are considerations when you are buying or selling a home with solar panels.

Solar panels can be owned outright, leased, or financed over a number of years. The best situation is if the solar panel system is owned outright without a lease or financing. If the seller has a balance due, then they should consider paying off the system at closing. The system typically remains with the home as a fixture and the buyer's purchase is a standard real estate transaction.

If the ...

Should I remodel my current home or buy one that’s fully updated instead?

That’s a great question! And the answer is… that depends. Keep reading to learn more.

The first thing that people usually consider is the price tag. On the surface, a remodel sounds more affordable than purchasing a new home. My advice - think through your needs and write them down. What you see may surprise you!

For example, if your list includes additions such as a pool, an extra bedroom, or a garage extension, does your current piece of property allow for that type of expansion? If you have the space on your current lot to accommodate it, a remodel may be the right option for you. If adequate space is NOT available...