Shawn Senecal's Residential Real Estate Tips | Champion Homes in Kissimmee | Realtor® Blog

The Fourth of July, also known as  Independence Day , holds a special place in the hearts of Americans.  It is a time of patriotic celebration, a day that commemorates the birth of the United States of America.  As the nation's most significant holiday, the 4th of July brings people together to honor their heritage, reflect on history, and express their gratitude for the freedoms they enjoy.  In this blog, we will delve into the history of this momentous occasion, explore the profound reasons why we celebrate it, and discover ways in which Americans mark this memorable day. A Historic Journey The story of the 4th of July began over two centuries ago, on July 4, 1776, when the thirteen American colonies boldly declared their independence from British rule.  The signing of the  Declaration of Independence , a document eloguently drafted by  Thomas Jefferson , marked the birth of a nation founded upon the principles of liberty, equality, and self-governan...

Selling a home during the summer season offers a unique opportunity to showcase its best features and attract motivated buyers.  As the temperature rises, so does the real estate market activity.  To maximize your chances of a successful sale, it's important to implement strategic techniques tailored to the summer season.  In this article, we will provide eight valuable tips to help you navigate the summer real estate market and achieve a successful home sale. Price it Right One of the most critical factors in selling your home during the summer is  pricing it appropriately .  The summer market can be very competitive, and buyers are often looking for value.  Setting the right price from the beginning is essential to attract potential buyers and generate interest.   Work with a trusted REALTOR®, like myself, who has a deep understanding of local market trends .  Consider recent comparable sales, current market conditions, and the unique features o...

In many aspects of life, I believe the "Art of Slow" can provide a boon of benefits for people.  Taking the time to slow down, breathe, and appreciate what you have can be very rewarding.  However, in real estate, practicing the "Art of Slow" can result in quick losses!  In a dynamic real estate market characterized by rapid transactions and intense competition, the ability to act swiftly can make a signifcant difference in achieving success.  This article explores the power of swift action and how it enables individuals to master the real estate market with agility.  By embracing a proactive and decisive approach, buyers and sellers can navigate the ever-changing landscape with confidence and seize opportunities as they arise. Seizing Opportunties:  The Advantage of Quick Response Times In a fast-paced market, timing is crucial.  Swift action allows buyers to promptly submit competitive offers, increasing the likelihood of securing desirable propertie...

Buying a home is a significant investment that requires careful consideration.  Among the numerous steps involved in the home buying process, one crucial aspect that buyers do not want to overlook is the home inspection.   During the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 to mid-2022, many buyers opted to waive their rights to inspections in order to win contracts on homes that had multiple offers.  This ill-advised and questionable tactic was encouraged by many buyer's agents, listing agents, and sellers.  Many buyers were told that if they wanted to stay ahead of other offers, they needed to waive their right to inspect AND guarantee thousands of dollars over list price or appraised value.  While it is important for buyers to understand their competition and what they need to do in order to be competitive, it is  MORE  important for those same buyers to understand the risks involved when giving up certain rights.  Advocating the waiver of home inspecti...

Embark on a captivating journey through time and the supernatural as we explore a diverse array of haunted sites across the United States.  From historic homes to iconic landmarks, these locations carry a rich historical significance intertwined with spine-tingling tales of ghostly encounters.  Join me as I delve into the mysteries and paranormal phenomena surrounding these intriguing places. The Myrtles Plantation - St. Francisville, Louisiana    Photo by  Bogdan Oporowski Nestled in the heart of the Deep South, the Myrtles Plantation stands as a timeless testament to the antebellum era.  This grand mansion has gained notoriety for its paranormal activity, captivating visitors with its ghostly tales.  Guests have reported a myriad of unexplained occurrences, such as flickering lights, doors opening and closing on their own, and disembodied voices heard throughout the house.  The grand mirror in the foyer is said to occasionally reflect ghostly fi...

So... you're moving to Florida and need to decide on whether purchasing a home with a pool is the right decision. Pools can be a great addition to a home, providing a place to cool off during hot summer months and a fun place to host parties and gatherings.  However, owning a pool comes with its own set of responsibilities and potential drawbacks.  Here are some of the pros and cons to consider when deciding on whether to purchase of a home with a pool. Pros: Provides a great place to cool off: in hot summer months, having a pool in your backyard can provide a refreshing escape from the heat. Adds value to your home: A well-maintained pool  may  add value to your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future. Can be a great place to host parties: pools can be a fun place to host parties and gatherings, making your home the go-to spot for summer fun. Provides a great source of exercise: swimming is a great low-impact exercise ...

Home sellers that took advantage of the real estate market throughout 2020 to mid-2022 found that selling their home was a very quick process and required very little effort on their part.  Cash buyers were everywhere, and they were desperate...  and in that desperation, some poor decisions were made.  Multiple offers for homes that needed work were the norm, and it was not uncommon to find buyers purchasing remotely, paying thousands of dollars over list price, and waiving their rights to inspections just so they could convince sellers to accept their offers.  So many homes were sold within this time period - and many were bought "blind" and over value. Fast forward almost a year to 2023 and we've entered a completely different market.  Multiple offers are not the norm anymore and buyers have learned a very hard lesson.  Gone are the days of hundreds of buyers struggling to be first in line for a chance to own one of only a dozen or so available properties...

Davenport, Florida is a charming town located in Polk County near Walt Disney World.  It is known for its beautiful natural scenery and warm weather year-round.  If you're planning a trip to Davenport, you'll want to make the most of your time there by experiencing everything the town has to offer.  Here's a guide to some of the great things to do in and near Davenport, Florida:  Visit Walt Disney World:  This is the main reason tourists visit Davenport!  Davenport is mere minutes away from one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.  The Disney theme parks are home to iconic attractions, such as Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, and features shows, parades, and events throughout the year. Northeast Regional Park:  This is a beautiful public park located in Davenport that offers walking and jogging trails, picnic areas, a fenced-in dog play area and dog water fountain, fishing dock and boat launch, trailer parking, recre...

Orlando, Florida is known for its theme parks and attractions, but it also offers plenty of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers.  From parks to lakes and trails, here are some of the best outdoor activities in Orlando. Lake Eola Park at Night Explore the Wekiwa Springs State Park:  Wekiwa Springs State Park is a beautiful park located just 20 minutes north of Orlando.  The park offers hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping opportunities.  Visitors can also swim in the crystal-clear springs, which maintain a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenhiet all year round. Visit Lake Eola Park:  Lake Eola Park is a popular outdoor destination in downtown Orlando.  The park features a lake, a walking tail, picnic areas, and playgrounds.  Visitors can rent swan-shaped paddle boats and enjoy a ride around the lake. Walk or bike the West Orange Trail:  The West Orange Trail is a 23-mile paved trail that connects several communities in Orlan...