General • June 13, 2023

Things to think about before purchasing property in the United States

by Olena Johns

How will the property be used? Vacation home? Investment opportunity? Primary residence while you study or work?
Do you have an appropriate U.S. issued visa?
Have you bought or sold property before in the United States? Are you familiar with the process?
How will you pay for the property? Are you going to apply for a U.S. mortgage? Where are your funds located? Do you have an ITIN number?
Have you consulted with a lawyer and/or tax consultant?

What is a CIPS?

A Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) is a global real estate professional who has undergone specialized training to complete international transactions seamlessly and with reduced risk. The CIPS designation is the only international designation recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Only REALTORS® who have completed extensive coursework and demonstrated considerable experience in international business are awarded this prestigious designation.

Value Proposition

As a Certified International Property Specialist,

I have the training, resources and experience to help you purchase property in the United States. I have worked with buyers from locations around the world, and I can help you understand the process. With access to the CIPS global network and REALTOR® technology, I can help you find and purchase the property that is right for you.

My goal is to streamline and simplify the process of buying real estate in the United States. My services can save you time and money. Just give me a call !

Olena Johns +18503809539

#InternationalRealtor #Floridarealtor

New construction • June 12, 2023

Welcome to Florida or Hello , Wetlands !

by Olena Johns

Wetlands Oversight Still Confusing After Court Decision

What makes Florida’s Wetland Permit Program Different?

The Florida program is distinctive in that it is broader than the federal program, because it regulates the alteration of uplands that may affect surface water flows and “isolated” wetlands falling outside of federal jurisdiction. Florida regulates all land disturbance that could have an effect on state waters, whether or not the activity itself occurs in state waters. From a sea level rise adaptation perspective, this kind of scope could enable Florida to provide protection to dry, potentially inundatal lands, although there is no indication that they are doing so now.

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2023/05/wetlands-oversight-still-confusing-after-court-decision?utm_campaign=6-1-23+Florida+Realtors+News&utm_medium=email&utm_source=iPost

General • May 28, 2023

This Memorial Day, we’re thankful for those who gave their lives while serving. And we’re thinking of those who have lost someone they love. Thank you for your sacrifice

by Olena Johns

General • May 14, 2023

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY !

by Olena Johns

Processed with MOLDIV

General • HOUSING STATISTICS • May 10, 2023

Housing market update

by Olena Johns

Pensacola , FL housing market update is well in line with the national housing forecast.

According to
Median sales prices is going up compared with the last year .
While the seasonally adjusted rate declined from February to March ( by national stats) , the actual ram number of homes sold increased by 34%.Buyers are taking advantaging of interest rate between 6.3-6.4%

Message/call me if you are considering your options- we’ll run the numbers and see what your property is worth!
Olena-realtor.com
#olenajohns #internationalrealtor #housingmarketexpert #salesexperts #floridarealtor #century21agent #property

For Buyers • General • May 4, 2023

Ready to Buy?

by Olena Johns

10 Financing Options to Consider

As the market evolves, it’s vital to know some of the lesser-used financing options. Be sure to ask your real estate agent or mortgage professional about these when you get pre-approved for home financing.

Down Payment assistance. Multiple state and local homebuyer programs are available for first-time and repeat buyers. Look into the Florida Bond Program and the new Hometown Heroes (floridahousing.org) program for teachers, healthcare workers and first responders. Go to downpaymentresource.com

FHA loans. FHA loans have the advantage of requiring only 3.5% for a down payment and more lenient qualifying guidelines, but they also have mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.

VA loans. VA loans don’t require a down payment or mortgage insurance. A lender can compare programs to find the best fit.

USDA loans. Rural Development loans are available in designated areas in Florida that can be checked by a lender or on the loan program’s map. These loans have income and loan limits, but they offer a no-down payment option without mortgage insurance for those who qualify.

Conventional loans. Buyers can make a down payment of as little as 3% or 5% even with a conventional loan. Qualifying guidelines are stricter than with government-backed loans, and rates are based on numerous factors, such as the borrower’s credit score and loan-to-value.

ARMs. Some buyers shy away from ARMs because they were associated with the Great Recession, but today’s ARMs are typically hybrid loans that are fixed for 5, 7 or 10 years before adjusting. There are caps on how much the loans can adjust annually after the fixed period and over the life of the loan.

Assumable loans. Only government loans are assumable, not conventional loans, but even FHA and VA assumable loans are rare these days.

Bank statement loans. Borrowers who are self-employed or rely on investment income may have trouble qualifying based on tax returns, so some lenders offer loans based on other documentation such as bank statements or asset accounts.

Buydowns. Buyers with extra cash can consider buying down their mortgage rate for the fir1two years. For example, a buyer could buy down their rate by 2% or 3% the first year, 1% or 2% the second year, and then the rate would stabilize to the original rate for the remaining loan term.

Seller credits. Buyers can ask sellers for closing cost assistance depending on the loan guidelines. Another option is to ask for the sellers to contribute to a mortgage rate buydown rather than lower their price/ by Floridarealtors.org / #olenajohns #floridarealtor #риэлтор #флорида #loan #mortgage #buyhome #buyerspecialist

General • May 3, 2023

At Home with Diversity®

by Olena Johns

“At Home with Diversity®” is a National Association of Realtors certification

designed to enable me to work with and within a rapidly changing multicultural market.

I learned diversity sensitivity and how it applies to U.S. fair housing laws and ways to

develop professional guidelines, allowing me to work with people in an increasingly multicultural real estate market.

I very proud to be one of few who can serve to international clients.

#internationalrealtor #olenajohns

General • April 22, 2023

The collapse of our real estate market ????

by Olena Johns

Of course in compare with last year (by Pensacola Association of Realtors data)

Closed Sales decreased by 16% ,

though inventory increased by 154%, which should be of interest to out-of-state

buyers who are still looking to invest their money in Florida real estate.

And the median Sales Price increased by 1.6% compared to last year, which was

pretty good for the Pensacola area.

Developers continue to build new communities and Pensacola becomes more attractive

not only due to the white sand beaches and Southern traditions, but because

of affordable real estate prices. So if you’re thinking about it, let’s just chat

#olenajohns #internationalrealtor #риэлтор

#флорида #недвижимость #realtor #флорида

#риэлтор #floridarealtor #olenajohns #century21agent

General • April 9, 2023

HAPPY EASTER

by Olena Johns

https://youtube.com/shorts/R-gAEFQLF6E?feature=share

Easter is a time of new life, new hope . new beginnings and a new home!

Your REALTOR for Life

For Buyers • April 3, 2023

Questions to Ask When Buying a Property in the U.S./ For GLOBAL Buyers

by Olena Johns

According Internal Revenue Services, National Association of Realtors, U.S. Department of State,

Buying real estate in the U.S. is different than in many parts of the world. Here are 8 questions to answer before you sign a contract for the perfect Florida vacation home.

How do I find properties?

In the U.S., all Realtors list properties in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). All agents can show any property found online.

How long will it take once I sign a contract?

The process from having an offer accepted to closing on the home takes about 30 days but may take longer if you need to secure financing.

How should I hold the property?

You may purchase the property as an individual or through a legal entity, such as a limited liability corporation (LLC). If you choose an LLC, it could protect the property from estate and gift taxes and limit liability should an accident occur; but every situation is different. Consult a tax attorney who specializes in international transactions before making a final decision.

How should I pay for the property?

Do you plan to obtain a mortgage or pay cash? You may find that U.S. lenders charge foreign buyers a higher interest rate than they do U.S. buyers. You may also have to put down a downpayment of 30% or more of the purchase price.

What are closing costs?

In addition to the purchase price, buyers of U.S. properties face costs such as title search and insurance and recording fees that can add between 1.5% to 3% to the final cost of the home.

How long may I stay in the U.S.?

The amount of time you can stay in the U.S. varies by your country of origin. Residents of select countries, including Canada, do not need visas to visit the U.S. For more information, go to travel.state.gov

Do I have to be in the U.S. to close the transaction?

Possibly. Many countries offer the ability to do closings through remote online notarization. Consult your title company for your options.

What can my Realtor help me do?

Real estate agents can do a lot more than find you a property and help you with the offer and contract. Many specialize in working with global buyers. Often these agents have a team of experts including tax attorneys, international lawyers and international accountants, who can smooth the process of buying and owning a home in the U.S.

For Sellers • HOUSING STATISTICS • March 22, 2023

REAL Estate Market FORECAST

by Olena Johns

According to “REAL Estate Pros Without Borders” , including Global economic forecast by Jose Rasco,

who is a Chief investment officer for HSBC/for one of the largest international banks/

Just need to remember that all market trends are closely related with global economy

That’s why even we will have a market pause this summer ,

it could bring more buyers, which means a great time to list your property if you are from West Florida area .

Please feel free to call me for more real estate market trends explanation and for your free home price evaluation #olenajohns #internationalrealtor #globalrealestate #century21realtor #sellhouses #buyerspecialist #realtor #florida #realtorlife #housemarket #homeprices

General • March 17, 2023

Happy St Patrick’s Day !

by Olena Johns

St Patrick’s Day.MOV

Happy St Patrick’s Day !

I hope you can get some magic shamrock 🍀and meet a leprechaun 🧝who will find a piece of gold for your HOUSE 🤗

General • March 10, 2023

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

by Olena Johns

Did you know that PENSACOLA area also has INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB ?

I am so happy to introduce our Celebrating International Women’s Day here.

We all had great time with amazing women from all over the word:

Ukraine , Brazil ,USA

,Italy ,Indonesia , Jamaica ,Mexico ,Colombia ,and etc.

General • February 13, 2023

Happy Valentine’s Day!

by Olena Johns

All you need is love and chocolate.

Wherever – and with whomever – you’re spending Valentine’s Day,

we hope you have a lovely day !

Sincerely,

Olena #yourREALTORforLIFE

General • HOUSING STATISTICS • February 13, 2023

FLORIDA HOUSING REPORT

by Olena Johns

According Floridarealtors.org/ by Brad O’Connor/

“In December of 2021, the average 30 year fixed mortgage rate in the US was about 3.1%. Based on data published by Freddie Mac. And that, by the way, was the highest monthly average rate we had seen since June of 2020.

Fast forward just 12 months to December of 2022 and the U.S. housing market was facing an average 30 year fixed mortgage rate of nearly 6.4%. The impact of that kind of change can’t be overstated. Let’s consider a 30 year fixed rate loan on a $300,000 home with 20% down.

At a rate of 3.1%. The monthly principal and interest payment on that mortgage would be $1,025. But at 6.4%, that’s a 1500 dollar monthly payment, a nearly 50% increase. It should come as no surprise then that we had significantly fewer homes going under contract in December 2022 than a year ago, in December 2021. According to the latest statistics from Florida Realtors. New pending sales of single family homes were down 31 and a half percent year over year in December. One of the only silver linings here is that this was actually an improvement over the year over year declines of 41 and 37% reported for October and November, when rates were at higher average levels of about 6.9 and 6.8%, respectively. There is increasing consensus among economists that inflation has likely peaked and as a result, mortgage rates have topped out as well. Should this prove to be true, there will still be a big question looming over the housing market here in Florida and the rest of the US, which is how slowly and how much will mortgage rates recede from here? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to that. Interest rates are notoriously difficult to forecast. Even in normal times when the Federal Reserve is not actively shifting its monetary policy to this degree.”

HOWEVER Rent price for the same $300,000 house price in Pensacola/Panhandle area may exceed $2,000 which shows the buying expediency today with other homeownership advantages .

More info about Pensacola, FL housing market you can find bellow

or call me/Olena Johns 850.380.9539

Your Realtor for Life

General • February 2, 2023

TURNING A BEDROOM INTO A LUX BEDROOM

by Olena Johns

For most of us, our bedroom is little more than a place to sleep and relax. However, just because it’s always been that way doesn’t mean that we have to settle for drab and dreary.

One trend that’s gaining steam these days is converting your current bedroom into a luxury suite (or something comparable). If you want to live like you’re renting a room at the Ritz, then you want to follow these tips.

Compartmentalize Your Activities

Making your bedroom more functional is going to make it more luxurious. Add a gorgeous desk for working and a TV area for entertainment, and you’ll be living it up in no time.

Make it Chic

Choose a color palette that is both luxurious and classy. Silver and gold can seem tacky, so choose muted shades that compliment each other.

Also, a brilliant and commanding headboard can instantly upgrade the look of your room without any other changes.

Light it Properly

Finally, make sure that you have the right light to show off your designs. If it’s too washed out or yellow, then it will look drab and run down. Switch to brilliant LEDs and see the difference.

Choose Your Accents Wisely

We already mentioned a headboard, but some elegant drapes can also make your room feel more royal. Being strategic with your furniture accessories is going to both keep you under budget and avoid doing too much with the space.

Are you ready to lux your bedroom? You’ll be impressed by the results, and the feeling of decadence will make you more confident in your surroundings.

For Sellers • January 27, 2023

Sell now or sell later?

by Olena Johns

Sell now or sell later?

For many it’s a tough decision.

The home-buying frenzy from a year ago has cooled, thanks to elevated interest rates coupled with higher selling prices. But that also means inventory is up, and closings are down. What does that mean for 2023?

Economic forecast

The first half of 2023 will be marked by a mild economic downturn, with signs of recovery in the later half of the year, according to an analysis by Fannie Mae.

Home sales forecast

Fannie May also forecasts an 18.5% decline in single-family purchase mortgage originations from 2022 — a big switch from the brisk activity of 2021.

How will buyers and sellers respond in 2023?

First-time home buyers are delaying their plans: Currently elevated home prices and interest rates result in a house payment they can’t afford. A softening economy would potentially leave this group even less buying power.

Homeowners have less incentive to sell: In 2020 and 2021, homeowners refinanced in droves to lock in record-low fixed interest rates. With current market rates markedly higher than what they have been, many are hitting pause on their plans to move.

What does this mean for sellers?

Less competition: Despite fewer buyers, there shouldn’t be an oversupply of homes in the pipeline.

Bottom line: Though you can expect a longer timeline for selling your home, there’s no reason to postpone if you’re ready to make a move!

Also

For Sellers • January 25, 2023

VIRTUAL HOME SELLING

by Olena Johns

If you are thinking about how to sell you house virtually – my video Virtual selling will helps https://youtu.be/pvj8uYPmQMY
Do you still have some questions?
Please feel free to call me, I would love to help!

HOUSING STATISTICS • January 19, 2023

MARKET TRENDS

by Olena Johns

Pensacola Real Estate Market update for the last week (01.10-10.17)

Please open my video https://youtu.be/Cvs_4Nd-tVo

Pensacola Real Estate Market update for the last month

General • January 16, 2023

HAPPY MARTIN LUTER KING DAY !

by Olena Johns

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