February 2020 Newsletter

Best Places to Retire

Our gorgeous beaches and great weather are, no doubt, factors in the reasons Florida cities are some of the top places to retire. U.S. News and World Report ranked 125 cities for the best places to retire in 2020.
Ten Florida cities ranked in the top 50, and here are the 4 Florida cities in the top 10:
1. Fort Meyers
2. Sarasota
5. Port St. Lucie
6. Jacksonville
The magazine said that its rankings “offer a comprehensive evaluation of the country’s 125 largest metropolitan areas – up from 100 last year – based on how well they meet Americans’ expectations for retirement, with measures including housing affordability, desirability, health care and overall happiness.”
Up from #2 last year, Fort Myers tops the list due to increases in “desirability, health care quality, job market strength and happiness.” Sarasota also made a jump from #3 to #2 for many of the same reasons. Port St. Luice had not even previously ranked, and came it at #5!
2020 U.S. News Best Places to Retire:
1. Fort Myers
2. Sarasota
3. Lancaster, PA
4. Asheville, NC
5. Port St. Lucie
6. Jacksonville
7. Winston-Salem, NC
8. Nashville, TN
9. Grand Rapids, MI
10. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Florida city rankings:
1. Fort Myers
2. Sarasota
5. Port St. Lucie
6. Jacksonville
14. Miami
15. Lakeland
17. Tampa
19. Melbourne
22. Orlando
33. Pensacola
54. Daytona Beach

Top 4 Renovations for the Greatest Return on Investment

Unreasonable Repair Requests

Sellers are far more likely to agree to a $300 major repair over thirty $10 small repairs. Inman suggests using repairs involving safety or the malfunction of an expensive system as your guide to what to request a seller to repair when under contract to buy a home.
1. Items easily repaired for under $10, like switchplates and light bulbs.
2. Replacement of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Unless local codes state otherwise, replace these after closing with detectors you are most comfortable using in your new home.
3. Cosmetic issues in a resale home: Things like uneven paint or stained baseboards should be factored into the negotiations when determining price, rather than as a repair request.
4. Minor plumbing and electrical issues: Non-safety related issues like a corroded fitting.
5. Hairline cracks in the basement or driveway: Request repairs for breaks over a quarter inch wide, and also consider a structural inspection.
6. Landscaping, and porch/ fence repairs: Factor these items into the purchase price during negotiations. It’s never a good idea to ask for repairs for items that were obvious before inspections. Avoid asking for landscaping removal, as well of things like overgrown fauna.
7. Replacement of window seals: Unless it is under warranty.
8. A new HV/AC or water heater just because it is old: Do not request repairs for a system that is functioning. Only consider it when the age was not disclosed, or was disclosed in error.
9. Roof repairs when the roof is leak-free and has no structural damage: This is a very gray area. Try to agree on how the roof will be handled pre-inspection if there is any suspicion it is at the end of it’s life.