Guest post by Tina Martin

​A vacation property provides the comforts of home in a beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime vacation
spot. It’s an idyllic scenario for many vacationers, and it’s helped make the vacation rental
market a lucrative one over the past several years. In fact, the industry is experiencing
remarkable growth thanks to increasing demands from consumers for private accommodations.
A vacation rental gives guests comfortable living quarters, multiple bedrooms, and enough space
to spread out and make themselves at home; it’s an appealing alternative to a cramped hotel
room with one bathroom. However, turning your vacation rental property into a profitable
investment takes work and a knowledge of how to attract renters — and keep them coming back.

Location

Location is the key factor any time you invest in a piece of property, and that’s especially true
for vacation rentals. People plan entire vacations based on their interests, which is why Tampa
Bay is such a popular destination. As TurnKey explains, Tampa Bay offers a number of
entertainment options (e.g., Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium) that will appeal to a broad
range of tourists. And the closer your property is to one of these high-traffic locations, the more
popular it will become.

Safety

People staying in an unfamiliar place appreciate the security of knowing that they and their
families are safe. No matter how appealing your location might be, there’s always the possibility
of crime, not to mention the uneasiness that people often feel while staying in a new place.
Installing an alarm system and security cameras, along with keyless locks, not only help guests
feel safer but help keep your insurance costs down.

The Eye Test

A property with attractive landscaping and a good, clean facade makes a more favorable
impression than a property with peeling paint and cracked pavement. Curb appeal matters,
whether someone is passing by in a car or clicking through on a website. An aesthetically
pleasing vacation getaway is a powerful draw for people looking for a comfortable and luxurious
vacation home away from home.

Storage

Storage and closet space aren’t usually at the top of a vacationer’s wish list. However, it’s a nice
thing to have for people who bring along plenty of luggage. Think of extra storage as a way to
make guests more comfortable by not forcing them to cram their clothing and gear into the closet
along with the shoes and hanging items. If possible, consider adding walk-in closets, which are
luxurious conveniences that help maximize storage.

New Appliances and Technology

Shiny new appliances give renters the feeling that they’re getting more for their money. It’s even
better if you can provide something they don’t have at home, perhaps a smart coffee maker that
can be programmed to wake guests up with an alarm while brewing their first jolt of caffeine for
the day. A smart thermostat makes it easier to keep guests comfortable and saves money on
energy costs. If you’re worried about the expense, you can always phase in new appliances and
technology gradually rather than doing a wholesale upgrade.

It’s often the little things that make the greatest impact on guests. People love details and
conveniences that feel luxurious, even if they don’t cost that much. Make sure there’s a nice TV
in each bedroom and a selection of movies on DVD. The next time you visit, try looking at the
place like a vacationer and imagine what would make for the ideal vacation.

If you're still looking for the perfect vacation rental, contact Cowen Property Group to ensure
you find a property that fits your preferences.

Guest post by Sophia Perry

Purchasing a home usually means that you are going to have to consider all of your financial options. The most common one is using a mortgage to finance the purchase. If you want to find the perfect property for your home business, for example, having a good understanding of mortgage rates will be essential. Luckily, these days, you can find the best mortgage rate online, with the help of many readily available tools. But before that, there is some preparation to be done. There is also the need to understand all the different types of rates. This article is going to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision.

Tips for finding the best mortgage rate
First things first, here are the three things you need to figure out before searching for the best mortgage deal:

• Prepare early
• Understand PMI
• Interest rate

Prepare early
The first thing that you will need is an impeccable credit score. Lenders will only take your case into consideration if your score is at least 700. However, having it around 750 or (740 at minimum) is advisable. By making sure that your credit score is up to par, you will ensure that you get a good deal. Start by paying off any outstanding balances or debts as soon as you can and work from there.
You may even want to consider renting a place out while you get your score under control. Renting has its pros and cons, but in this case, it might be highly beneficial to your situation. Don't be afraid to spend a bit of money in order to save more later, as even a small point difference in your score could mean thousands of dollars in interest.
The second thing that you need to do is save up as much money as you possibly can. The more payment you can put down, the lower the mortgage rate will be. It can even reduce the interest rate, saving you a lot of money in the long run. If you can afford to make a 30% down payment, your interest will drop considerably, as much as 1% in some cases.

Understand PMI to find the best mortgage rate
However, in case you are unable to meet the conventional 20% down payment, you will most likely need to deal with PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance). As you are considered a higher risk prospect (due to not being able to shell out that 20%), most lenders will require you to carry PMI to provide the loan. Now, the problem with it is that the insurance itself can cost anywhere between 0.5% and 1% of the entire amount, per year.
If you absolutely must go with PMI, you need to cut down on all other costs to minimize its effect. For example, you may want to do your own packing instead of hiring professionals. Avail yourself of packing tips for beginners and roll up your proverbial sleeves; there's money to be saved! Or you may want to cut down on your wardrobe fund; anything that saves you money, really.
Your ultimate goal is to get rid of the PMI as soon as possible. And for that, you are going to have to be regular with your payments and earn enough equity in your home. As soon as you are eligible for the removal of the insurance, go for it.

Interest rate
The interest rate is usually what most homeowners stress about. Yes, it is quite important, but it is not the be-all and end-all. There are a few more factors to consider. Are you going to incur a prepayment penalty if you later decide to refinance? How much are the closing costs, in total? These costs range anywhere from $3000 to $7000 for a $150,000 home, so it is in your best interest to figure out the exact charges. When dealing with lenders, you really need to look at the entire print and all the costs, not just the interest rate.

Types of mortgage rates
There are three major types of mortgage rates. The one that you receive from a lender will depend on your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history. The rates themselves are called:

• Prime
• Subprime

Prime
This is the rate that everyone wants. To qualify for this rate, you need to have a credit score of at least 740, and your debt-to-income ratio needs to be lower than average. This type meets FNMA's (Federal National Mortgage Association) quality standards and features a standard amortization schedule.
You will also be required to make a down payment of 10-20% on the home. Eligible candidates will enjoy an interest rate of around 4.5% for a 30-year mortgage deal, due to their exceptional debt/income ratio and credit score. By managing to get this type of mortgage, you will save several tens of thousands of dollars during the course of the loan. It literally pays off to work to get this option, as you can spend the extra money to personalize your space in your new home. With the funds you are going to be saving, it is going to be entirely possible!

Subprime
This is the rate for those of us with a lower credit rating. Anywhere below 640 and suddenly, you're looking at an 8 or 10 percent interest rate. Even worse, you are most likely going to have to accept an adjustable-rate mortgage deal. This means that your rate is going to be fixed in the first two years, after which it is readjusted and is often quite higher.

This type is the middle ground. You will need a credit rating of at least 700 in order to get it. The interesting thing about this type is that you can have very little in the way of documentation (or none in some cases) for your income, expenses, or assets. The interest rate for Alt-A mortgages is between 5.5% and 8%.

How to get the best possible mortgage deal?
In a nutshell, shop around. If you want to find the best mortgage rate, you will have to visit as many lenders as you can. Try to find lenders that will give you the prime rate if anyhow possible. Don't be disheartened if a few of them do not; that does not mean that you will not qualify at the next. And always remember, a measly 1% interest rate difference is a HUGE deal, easily worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Guest post by Tina Martin
 
If you’re looking to start a home-based business, you need a home that can handle it. Odds are, an apartment or small house just isn’t going to cut it. Fortunately, you can turn to the Cowen Property Group for help finding the perfect house.
 
Now, when it comes to a home-based business, there’s a lot to consider before deciding on a property. You need enough room for your work, but you also need room to live - and, ideally, enough space for those to happen in different places. Work-life balance is a struggle for anyone, but it’s all the harder when it all happens under one roof. Here’s a look at a few of the things you should keep in mind when searching for your next home:
 
Before You Start
 
The first step in any property search should be to take a close look at your finances. Obviously, your financial situation affects what kind of home you’ll be able to buy, but it doesn’t define it. There are a lot of options for people with a relatively small down payment saved up, or a lackluster credit score. For example, if you have existing debt, that may make it harder to save for a downpayment or get a favorable loan. Look into financial relief and debt management answers to get your budget out of the red.
 
Once you have a sense for what you can afford, you should start taking a look at the local housing market. You’re not necessarily picking houses to look at just yet - instead, simply observe what’s selling at what price points. This helps you manage your expectations and set realistic goals for your property. Going in with a clear idea of what you want (and can afford) makes the process much, much less stressful.
 
What to Look For
 
As we mentioned earlier, home-based business owners have to prioritize work-life balance when picking their space. If you feel like you’re always “on” as a business owner, you’re almost certain to burn out. Once you’re at the point in your business where you’re factoring it into property investments, it’s extremely important to set yourself up for success and avoid this kind of burnout.
 
In that spirit, you should look for properties that offer an area you can turn into an office or workshop that won’t have to serve any other purpose. There’s some wiggle room here - a basement workshop might also be a laundry room, for example - but for the most part, you should keep your life and your work as physically separate as possible.
 
While Touring
 
Touring properties is one of the most exciting and confusing parts of buying a home. You’ll probably see several properties on any given tour day, and by the end of it all, they often blend together. That’s why it’s so important to take good notes and keep everything straight as you go. Bring along a notebook and a phone you can use to take pictures. This way you can remind yourself which features were in which property, and avoid moving forward on the wrong house.
 
You should also be mindful of what you say on a tour, especially if it’s an open-house type tour where the listing agent is present. Excitement or interest is, unfortunately, a disadvantage for homebuyers. If the sellers get word you’re really motivated, you’ll be in a bad spot when it comes to negotiations. Practice your poker face and stay neutral as you check properties out.
 
We hope these tips make buying a property for your home-based business less intimidating. You deserve a property that allows you to thrive both on and off the clock, and Cowen Property Group is happy to help you along.
 
Photo Credit: Pexels
​

Guest post by Sophia Perry

When it comes to moving, one of the most stressful aspects is definitely packing household belongings. It is a process that consumes a lot of our time, energy, and, of course, money. Moreover, there are so many things that can go wrong when packing - boxes can tear apart, items inside can break, something can spill and ruin all the other things inside the moving truck, pieces of furniture can get damaged, etc. No wonder why most people get goose-bumps just by thinking about packing.
This is why many decide to hire a professional moving agency and be done with it. However, our budgets sometimes do not allow that, forcing us into a DIY packing project. Are you one of those people? Well, you are in the right place. Here are some packing tips for beginners whether you are a student, a parent, a business person, a senior, or simply a millennial on the move.

Make a Plan, and Make It Ahead of Time
If you, for example, plan to leave Tampa and settle down elsewhere, the first thing you must do is make a plan. Making a plan is of key importance for the entire moving process! Without one, your entire relocation can turn into chaos. Thus, save yourself the trouble and make a plan ahead of time. Start by organizing a family (or a roommate) meeting and discussing the details of the move. Try to split the chores – who will be decluttering, who will be packing what, etc. Plan as much as you can in advance as this will save you a lot of time later on. Of course, you do not have to stick to that plan rigorously, but use it as guidance or an organization system!

Declutter and Organize!
If you have ever moved before, you probably know how expensive relocation can be. If not, you are about to find out. But do not worry, there is a way to save money and not overwhelm your budget. How? By decluttering first!
Try to get rid of the items you do not need or use as much as you can. Talk about that on your family/roommate meeting. Make a list of the items you absolutely need in your new home and pack only them. Try to focus on the items that are of absolute importance to you. Those should be the items that are irreplaceable, valuable, and of course, necessary for your everyday life.
When it comes to all the other items, you can either consider donating them to a local charity, giving them to friends and family, selling them online or organizing a yard sale, or throwing them away if they are damaged and useless. Whatever you do, just remember – the more items you pack, the more expensive your relocation will be!

Gather Packing Supplies
Once you have decided what to bring with you and what to leave behind, it is time to think about packing. The first thing you need to do is gather all the packing supplies, of course. Many people try to cut corners on this one, and they start using old boxes they have in their basement or attic. Alternatively, they get those used boxes from stores and supermarkets, thinking that they will save a lot of money. However, at one point, they realize they had made a mistake and it is usually too late.
What happens with these old and used boxes is that they tear apart during the process of relocation - they are simply not meant to be used for that purpose. In the end, you are forced to buy new boxes and repack everything, or you find an unpleasant surprise once you open the moving truck. Thus, be smart and buy good quality packing materials. You will need:

• Cardboard boxes
• Plastic bins
• Plastic wrap
• Packing paper
• Packing peanuts
• Moving blankets (or use your old blankets and towels)
• Duct tape and scissors
• Permanent markers

When moving, do your homework! Just like you would look at all the pros and cons of renting and buying, look into the pros and cons of different kinds of moving materials!

Assemble a Helping Team
If you are relocating your entire household, including all those heavy pieces of furniture, it is absolutely necessary to assemble a helping team. Again the question - should you hire a professional moving agency or have a DIY kind of a move? As mentioned before, if your budget does not allow it, you do not have to hire movers for this step. What you can do is call your trusty, strong, and handy friends and ask them to help you out on the moving day.
Ask them to help you move those heavier pieces of furniture that cannot be disassembled onto the moving truck. This will not only save you money, time, and energy, but it will also save you from many moving injuries that tend to happen to people relocating for the first time. You want to avoid common issues like back and neck injuries, sprained and broken limbs, cuts, bruises, etc.
​
Know How to Pack
Finally, it is time for packing. This must be done with care and caution. If not, well, get ready for a lot of topsy-turviness. It would be a good idea to do some research before you start packing, especially if you are packing for the first time. This will not be hard as we live in the age of the Internet. So, go online and look for some beginner's packing tips and tricks. Learn as much as possible.
What you need to do, after you have completed all the steps mentioned above, is to decide where you will start packing. We recommend going room by room as it is easiest and fastest. Then, start putting items inside the boxes. Wrap everything first in packing paper and then in plastic wrap. Also, make sure your boxes are not too heavy nor overfilled. Leave that extra space inside for packing peanuts. Lastly, seal everything with duct tape and label the box. When it comes to furniture, disassemble what you can, wrap the fragile parts, and carefully place them on a moving truck.
https://unsplash.com/photos/sxNt9g77PE0

Guest Post by Sophia Perry
​
No matter who you are - a student, a businessman, a millennial on the move, or a big family moving to a new city, at some point in your life you will have to rent a home. Rare are the people who do not do this at least once. This usually happens because of financial reasons, as buying a home is one of the biggest investments one can make. Or, it usually happens because people are at a strange place at the moment and they are not quite sure where to go next. In both ways, renting is a perfect solution. But, whatever the reason may be, renting does come with pros and cons. Thus, if you were wondering whether to rent anytime soon, keep on reading because you might find this article helpful.
Pro: Renting Homes may be Cheaper than Buying
Before you start packing your bags and looking for help relocating to a new neighborhood in Tampa, or anywhere else for that matter, first you need to decide what your budget is and how long you plan on staying there. Then, you can decide whether it would be better to rent a home or buy one. Of course, if your budget is not big and if you are not quite sure what the future holds for you in that new city or state, it would be a much better idea to rent. For that, you only need to find a suitable home and come up with a deposit and security check, and possibly first and last month’s rent when moving in. About everything else, you will worry next month.
Con: Renting Homes is More Expensive in the Long Run
However, if you already know what you plan on doing with your life, that is, if you are moving and staying in Tampa for the rest of your life (or for the majority of it), it makes more sense to buy a home than rent it. Why? Because it will be cheaper in the long run. Of course, you would still need to work hard for the money and to pay all those monthly checks and be burdened by the mortgage until your home is paid off, but in the end, you will have something completely yours, you will have a home that is rent-free. That is not the situation with renting. Renting is something you do when you do not have a place of your own and you do it for as long as you stay there. Moreover, your rent could rise at any moment, and if your landlord does not give you a notice in advance, you might be in trouble.
Pro: Your Landlord is Responsible for Everything
People who own houses or apartments know that homes themselves come with a lot of pros and cons too. There is always something to repair, there is always something that needs to be changed, etc. On top of that, each month there is a remodeling project that must be done. And, unless you are a handyman with a lot of money and free time, all these projects will be an annoyance. If you are not, it makes much more sense to simply rent and let somebody else take care of the home you are living in. There is a problem with piping? No problem, the landlord will take care of it. The home is in a desperate need or repainting? Again, no problem, the landlord will repaint it. You will not have to worry about finding the time nor the money to do any changes and fixes. Landlords understand the pros and cons of rental property investment, and they know what their role is, too.
Con: No Freedom
On the other hand, renting a home and having a landlord means no freedom. If you want to change something in the house or the apartment you are living in, or simply personalize it a bit, you will have to ask your landlord for permission. And, in most cases, she or she will say - no. Why? Well, because, again, they do not want to waste their own time and money for doing something that is unnecessary to them. So, if you really hate the colors of your walls or if the windows do not shut well, there is nothing you can do. You can either learn to live with it or start looking for a new home. In addition to this, renting homes also means that you will not have the freedom to do everything you want as well. There may be some restrictions imposed by the landlord - no pets, no parties, no loud music, etc. Thus, evaluate your lifestyle before you make any decisions.
Pro: You Can Easily Change Homes
If you, for example, have a job that forces you to change your city, state, or even continent, quite often, there is no point in buying a home. Why would you need to go through all that struggle of buying and selling a home every time you have to relocate? Nobody wants to do that. That is why people who have those kinds of jobs rent homes, and not buy. Renting homes makes more sense to them. It is the same with people who are students or those who enjoy traveling, for example. You can easily change your home, and not worry about a thing. What is more, you will have the ability to not only live in a place you never did before but also live in a home that you probably cannot afford to buy. You can choose a home that suits your current budget and your current needs. And, if they change, no problem, you can change your home, too!
https://unsplash.com/photos/rgJ1J8SDEAY

Moving home, whether it's to the other side of the country, or just across town, can be a complicated process. You'll need to be prepared for the experience to take up a lot of time and money, and there's a good chance that there will be some serious stress involved too. 
Even after you've found the perfect place to live in Tampa, and dealt with the legal side of buying your new home, you still need to figure out how you're going to get all of your belongings from your old property into your new house. That's one of the toughest parts of moving home - deciding whether you're going to deal with the move yourself or hire a professional team to come and do the hard work for you. Here's your guide to making the right decision. 
Questions to Ask When You're Planning your Move
There are two ways to move home. 
You can either hire a van, call your friends and family, and have a DIY moving party where you all pitch in to get your belongings into your new property, or you can work with a professional. There are pros and cons to both options. For instance, if you go it alone, you get complete control over when your move takes place, and even how you load and store boxes. However, with a solo move, you'll also have to handle all the hard work of moving boxes on your own. 
On the other hand, if you choose to work with professional Tampa movers, you'll need to pay a little more, but you get a quicker, easier, and more efficient experience too. Pro movers can do the heavy lifting on your behalf and help you get your property set up in your new home and more. Before you compare your options, ask yourself:

• Are you on a deadline? If so, then you may need to go the DIY route to make sure that you get everything to your new home on time, unless you can find a professional mover that has time to work according to your schedule. 
• How much money do you have? If you're on a very tight budget, borrowing or hiring a van and moving on your own could be cheaper, although it will require more work. 
• How much help do you have? If you don't have a lot of friends and family to come and help you out with the move, then you'll struggle to complete your move quickly and effectively. 

Which Route Should You Take?
​Usually, it's best to go with a DIY strategy and move on your own when you're seriously strapped for cash. If you can't afford to pay for anyone to help you, and you know that you have friends and family that you can rely on for support, then moving on your own is the more affordable, albeit harder option. 
On the other hand, if you can find some extra cash for a professional mover, you'll often find that this strategy allows for a much quicker and simpler move. With a professional mover, you don't have to worry about furniture and important items being broken because you don't know how to transport things properly. You're dealing with a professional who knows how to get you from A to B as efficiently as possible. What's more, you won't risk injuring your neck or back by lifting heavy objects on your own. 
A professional moving team takes at least some of the stress out of the moving process when all you want to do is get into your new home and start unpacking. 



​

Tampa is one of the fastest growing cities in Florida year after year. Many newcomers ask about finding the perfect neighborhood, with friendly people, A rated schools, and plenty to do. For many, my recommendation is Westchase. 
Westchase is a planned urban community in Northern Tampa. Boasting walking trails and nature preserves, it truly maintains that old Florida landscape. Despite it's natural charm, it still offers restaurants, bars, and a vibrant social scene.
Schools are rated 8/10 on greatschools.org, so families are attracted to the area. Activities include swim, tennis, nearby golf, and running clubs. There are over 25 separate neighborhoods, so each neighborhood can keep that close-knit community vibe.
One of our listings is in the heart of an energetic neighborhood, on a cul-de-sac, that backs up to a conservation area. A quick golf cart ride away is the social area with eateries and treats.
Look no further for a Florida home with excellent schools, friendly neighbors, and that community feel. Call us for a private tour.

​10034 Brompton Dr. Tampa, FL 33626

Real estate is a hot commodity, which is why some people use it as part of their investment strategy. One of the best ways to maximize your real estate investment is by owning a rental property. Of course, buying a rental property isn’t right for everyone, but for those who decide it’s a good fit, the rewards can far outweigh the risks.
 
Pro - Passive Source of Income
 
Purchasing and maintaining a rental property is something that most people can do in addition to their day job. Even if your property needs repairs, once it is rented, you have income that is continually coming in without working for it on a daily basis. Depending on your overall debt-to-income ratio on the property, this extra income can be significant.
 
Con - When the Work Outweighs the Reward
 
Even though having a rental property is a largely passive stream of income, there is work involved that can be a bit much for some people. Keeping the home maintained and the added burden of finding good renters are two factors that can be stressful. This is a con that scares some people away, but one solution is to get the help of a property management company.
 
In Tampa, the average rent you can expect from a single-family residential home is around $1,316. One way that a property manager can help is by making sure you get the full value for what your property is worth. You also want to ensure your property manager is thorough in conducting background checks on tenants to lower your risk of running into issues. All in all, these services can ease your stress and make owning a rental less of a headache.
 
Pro - Diversifying Your Investments
 
CNBC explains how owning a rental property adds diversity to your portfolio that helps protect you from risk. Besides the passive income you get from rent, the property itself is an investment that can pay off later in life. There can be downturns in any sector, but if you consider your rental property a long-term investment, you can expect appreciation of its value in the long run.
 
Con - Lack of Liquidity
 
While owning real estate can be a great way to invest in your future, especially for retirement, it isn’t a payoff you can expect to happen overnight. Furthermore, Investopedia explains that because real estate transactions take time, usually months to be completed, the money you have invested in a property can’t be accessed in an emergency. If the money you plan on investing to purchase a rental home is your safety net, or you anticipate needing it for any other reason, putting it into a rental property may not be wise.
 
Pro - Tax Advantages
 
There are costs associated with owning and maintaining any home, but many of these expenses are tax deductible, including interest, repairs, and insurance premiums. These are just a few of the many tax deductions you can get as a rental property owner. Taking deductions doesn’t get rid of the expenses entirely, but it can help improve your bottom line.
 
Con - Ongoing Costs
 
The critical thing for any new property investor is to budget for costs carefully. This includes not only the purchase price of the home but also the ongoing costs you can expect for maintenance, taxes, and homeowners insurance. It’s important to realize that property tax values can rise, and insurance costs can go up as well. Being aware of the potential for rising and ongoing expenses is a crucial part of budgeting. Ideally, you want to have a fund set aside to cover these costs.
 
Careful budgeting is an undercurrent that will affect your entire experience as a rental property owner. Some people are so intrigued by the promise of property ownership that they overlook the major details. This is why it’s so important to analyze all the pros and cons, and how they fit in with your budget and lifestyle, before jumping into the rental market.
 
Let Cowen Property Group help you find the property investment that works for you.
Guest Blogger Bret Engle with Diyguys.net

​This condo is a corner unit with partial beach views, in a building of only 23 units. It has a weekly rental option- so a great opportunity for investment.  The building is within walking distance of great beach bars and restaurants. The building has 2 dedicated parking spots which is a rare find, monthly fees of $593 and priced at $476,000.
Hamilton House #208 Brokered by Luxury & Beach Realty, Inc.

​This condo is ready for you or your renters. It comes fully furnished and is one of the few with a weekly rental option. This boasts a nice community association with recent updates, monthly fees of $482. With renters already booked and repeat clients visiting the area, the price point of $489,000 is a bargain.







​Beach cottage #2403 Brokered by Smith and Associates

​If you are interested in any of these condos or other beach front opportunities, give Cowen Property Group a call today. Live the beach life, you won’t regret it!