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

I have always enjoyed visiting museums and learning about history, so I was very pleasantly surprised when I found a Pioneer Village to visit in nearby Kissimmee!  If you're interested in experiencing what life was like for Florida's early settlers, the Pioneer Village in Kissimmee is a must-visit destination.  Located in Osceola Heritage Park, the village is a living history museum that offers visitors a glimpse into Florida's past. The Pioneer Village is home to 13 historical sturctures that have been carefully restored and preserved.  These structures include a schoolhouse, church, general store, blacksmith shop, and a citrus packing house, among others.  Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the village and explore each of these buildings, each with its unique history and significance. One of the highlights of the Pioneer Village is the authentic Seminole chickee, a traditional Native American structure that was used for shelter.  Visitors can learn about ...

Re-sell or new construction?  Re-sell homes can be amazing when you find the right home that speaks to you.  But there's nothing quite like walking into your brand new construction home for the first time!  The fresh paint smell, the knowledge that no one else has lived in the home before you, and the "blank canvas" awaiting your personal touches throughout the home and yard.  There are also several other benefits worth considering when deciding whether or not to purchase a new construction home.  Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner, here are some advantages of buying a new construction home: Representation:  You are able to be represented by your trusted REALTOR®!!!  ALWAYS BRING YOUR REALTOR® ON YOUR FIRST VISIT!!!  If you call, email, text, or visit the builder without your REALTOR®, they will register you as their personal client and you will have waived your right to representation by your REALTOR®, leaving you...

Buying or selling a property can be a complex and time-consuming process, and having the right professional to guide you through the process can make all the difference.  While many people use the terms "realtor" and "real estate agent" interchangeably, the simple truth is that they are very different.  All REALTORS® are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are REALTORS®.  Additionally, the title of REALTOR® is a registered trademark, and real estate agents that are not members of The National Association of REALTORS® cannot refer to themselves as such.  In this blog, we'll discuss the benefits of choosing a REALTOR® over a real estate agent. Code of Ethics and Professional Standards:  REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and must adhere to a strict code of ethics and professional standards.  This code requires REALTORS® to be honest and transparent in their dealings with clients and other real estate professio...

\ Positive relationships are essential for our happiness and well-being.  They bring joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging to our lives.  Cultivating positive relationships requires effort and intentionality.  Here are some tips on how to do it: Communicate Effectively : Communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship.  Effective communication involves active listening, being clear and direct, and expressing yourself honestly and respectfully.  Avoid criticism, deception, blame, or judgment, and focus on understanding and finding solutions. Practice Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share someone else's feelings.  When you practice empathy, you put yourself in the other person's shoes and try to see things from their perspective.  This helps you build trust and deepen your connection with them. Be Supportive: Supporting your loved ones means being there for them when they need you.  This can involve offering emotional...

With the increasing awareness of climate change and the need for more sustainable practices, eco-friendly homes have become more popular than ever.  These homes not only help to reduce carbon emissions and preserve natural resources, but also provide healthier and more comfortable living spaces for their occupants.  As a result, eco-friendly homes are rapidly changing the real estate industry, and it's crucial for real estate professionals to understand the benefits of these homes to better serve their clients. What is an Eco-Friendly Home? An eco-friendly home is designed and built to minimize its impact on the environment while providing a healthy and sustainable living space for its occupants.  These homes are designed to be energy-efficient, water-efficient, and promote the use of eco-friendly materials. Energy-Efficient Features One of the most important features of an eco-friendly home is its energy efficiency.  These homes typically have high levels of insulat...

"Hearth and Home".  You've probably heard the phrase before, but what does it mean?  The phrase "hearth and home" is an idiom that has been in use for centuries.  It is a representation of the idea that one's home is a place of warmth, comfort, and security.  The hearth, in particular, is a symbol of the heart of the home, the place where people gather to share meals, tell stories, and enjoy each other's company.  But where did this phrase come from? The origin of "hearth and home" can be traced back to medieval times.  The hearth was the center of the home in those days.  It was the place where food was cooked, warmth was provided, and light was emitted.  It was the focal point of family life, and often the only source of heat during the cold winter months.  The hearth was also a symbol of wealth and status.  The larger the hearth, the more important the family.  The word "hearth" itself comes from the Old English word "hearth...

Buying your first home can be both exciting and overwhelming.  While exploring the many possibilities before you, you will understandably have many questions and concerns about the process and may need help determining what you need in your first home.  Perhaps you've heard the saying, "We don't know what we don't know".  What this means is that when we are unfamiliar or new to a given situation, not only will we not have the understanding about the situation, but we may not even understand the right questions we should be asking.  For homebuyers, especially first-time homebuyers, it is very important to partner with a trusted REALTOR® that can help guide you along your journey and help you ask the right questions, as well as help you determine what you need and what you can afford.  Here are 10 things to consider when buying your first home. Budget:  Perhaps the most important question: "How much home can I afford?"  Before even viewing properties wi...