How Fed Rate Increases Affect Home Buyers

What happens when interest rates go up? That’s a tricky question. On Dec. 14, 1016, the Federal Reserve Board announced a 0.25 percentage-point increase in the federal funds interest rate, to 0.75 percent. This was viewed as a good thing because it indicates the Board’s confidence in a resurgent and …

Have Lot, Need Builder? ICI Homes Is Your One-Stop Shop

You own a Florida lot where you’d like to build your dream home/retirement haven/new family headquarters. But, alas, you’re not a builder and don’t know one. If you choose to try it on your own, you know you’ll have to hire contractors. Research and coordinate materials and deliveries. Function as your own job superintendent. All while maintaining everyday life during the process — your job, kids and perhaps other responsibilities.

Designing Your New Owners Suite

Since most folks spend a portion of each 24-hour period asleep, our bedrooms should provide the restful retreats we need to recharge. If you’re building a new Florida home, make the owners suite (previously called master bedroom) a priority. You can do that during the design phase, when ICI Homes …

Ten Real Estate Terms You Should Know

Like many major life experiences, home-buying can be an intimidating process if you’ve never done it before. Or, if you have, and the process didn’t go well. If you’re not familiar with industry jargon, hearing real-estate terms can be akin to learning a foreign language, especially if those terms aren’t …

Seven Midwestern Reasons to Move to Florida

There’s a lot to appreciate about the Midwest region of the United States. It’s the birthplace of automobiles, America’s dairy-land, and the home of iconic cities like Chicago, St. Louis and Minneapolis-St. Paul. And, Old Man Winter. But cold weather isn’t the only lure for Mid westerners curious about relocating …

Five Tips For Moving With Children

It’s happening! Your family is relocating! You’ve broken the news, have a tentative schedule in place and everyone from biggest to littlest knows what’s ahead. Well, not the tiniest family members. Moving won’t faze the 18-month-old! But it might faze the 18-months-old’s brothers or sisters, so here’s our five suggestions …

Create a Gym in Your New Home

If your New Year’s resolution is to establish or ramp up a dormant workout routine, a home gym may the perfect impetus. Especially if you have a gym membership and are weary of the same-old people, facilities and equipment. Assembling your own home gym doesn’t have to be ridiculously expensive …

Seven Reasons to Move to Florida

If you’re reading this post, you already might suspect that a Florida lifestyle might fit your situation. Or, perhaps you aren’t certain about becoming a Floridian — yet — and would like us to convince you. Here are seven solid reasons to consider moving to the Sunshine State. Climate You …

Tips For Selling Your Old Home Faster

Trapped between a current home that’s not selling and the new Florida home you’d like to purchase? It’s a common scenario. Most of us need to sell our old residences before buying new ones and sometimes it’s simply not a fast process. To help, we have tips for your stalled …

Preparing Children to Move: Our Advice

You’re moving to a new Florida home. You have kids. How do you escort them — and yourself — through the experience while ensuring everyone retains their sanity and continues to speak to each other? No easy answers. We’re all different. There are helpful tactics, however. Check our suggestions for …

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