Jeannette McIntosh Realtor

09/24/2026

Looking for a home in The Villages where you can enjoy all the amenities and lifestyle at a price that leaves room for enjoying life?

Come check out this lovely 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the northern section of The Villages! With a screened lanai, convenient access to shopping, dining, recreation, and NO BOND, it may be just what you're looking for!

🏡 OPEN HOUSE | Friday, September 25 | 2–4 PM

📍 17663 SE 92nd Grantham Terrace, The Villages
Offered at $274,900

I'd love to see you there!

Jeannette McIntosh, REALTOR® LPT Realty | 352-552-1746

09/23/2026

If you’re looking at 55+ communities in Central Florida, Del Webb Spruce Creek Golf & Country Club is one worth knowing about.

What stands out to me isn’t just the golf, amenities and beautiful homes. It’s that this community really has an identity of its own — and residents don’t have to leave the neighborhood to find plenty to do.

09/23/2026

Here's something you may not know!

If you're hesitant to shop around for a mortgage because you're worried multiple credit checks will hurt your score — here's some good news.

Credit-scoring models generally treat multiple mortgage inquiries made within a short window as a single inquiry. That window can range from 14 to 45 days depending on the scoring model — but to play it safe, aim to complete all your mortgage shopping within a two-week period. That way, no matter which model your lenders use, you're covered.

My suggestion? Don't hesitate to compare lenders! Different lenders may offer different loan programs, rates, and closing costs — what works for your neighbor may not be the best fit for you.

One more tip: If you're still 6+ months out from buying, ask your lender if they can start with a soft credit pull. It'll give you a general idea of what you may qualify for without affecting your score. A hard check typically comes later, when you're ready for full preapproval.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make — you deserve to feel confident every step of the way.

Thinking about buying in Lake County or nearby? Reach out — I'm here to help!

Jeannette McIntosh, REALTOR®
LPT Realty
(352) 552-1746

09/22/2026

Have you been dreaming of moving to The Villages? Or maybe you're already here and looking for a little more space—or a little less?

Come check out this beautiful home in the Village of St. Catherine! Conveniently located near Sawgrass Grove, recreation centers, shopping, dining, and so much more!

🏡 Open House | Wednesday, September 23. 3 - 5PM

I'd love to see you there!
Jeannette McIntosh, REALTOR®
LPT Realty
352-552-1746

09/21/2026

**The Final Walk-Through Almost Derailed This Closing—Over Grass**

A recent closing nearly fell apart over something that sounds very simple: the lawn.

The sellers had already moved away and hadn’t visited the property in about two weeks. No one had mowed, and by the time my buyers arrived for their final walk-through, the grass was knee-high.

The sellers didn’t initially understand why this had become a closing issue. However, the commonly used Florida Realtors/Florida Bar “AS IS” contract requires the seller to maintain the property—including the lawn, shrubbery and pool—in its effective-date condition until closing, except for ordinary wear and tear.

Fortunately, we worked through it. The lawn was mowed, and the closing took place. But it didn’t need to become a last-minute source of stress.

The final walk-through isn’t merely a formality or one last look before receiving the keys. It gives buyers an opportunity to confirm:

✅ The property has been maintained
✅ Agreed-upon work has been completed
✅ Everything included in the sale is still there
✅ No new leaks, damage or other problems have appeared since the inspection

It usually isn’t the time to reopen issues that were previously accepted. But if something new is discovered, it should be reported immediately. What happens next will depend upon the contract and the particular circumstances.

Here’s my advice for sellers, and their agents: walk through your own home a few days before closing. Keep the utilities on, check the property carefully and handle the small details before the buyers arrive.

Twenty minutes of preparation can prevent a great deal of closing-day stress.

Questions about your closing? Reach out. I’m here to help.

Jeannette McIntosh
LPT Realty
(352) 552-1746

09/19/2026

Even the best camera cannot replace thoughtful preparation.

Before your home is photographed, small details—clearing countertops, opening curtains, and staging each room—help it feel brighter, more spacious, and more inviting.

Together, great prep and great photography help buyers focus on the home itself, and imagine what it might feel like to live there.

If you'd like to know more, the link for the video is below.

09/16/2026

Phone cameras have come a long way—but when buyers are scrolling through listings, image quality is still what makes them stop.

Professional equipment captures more detail and truer color. And the right lens shows a room's real size and flow, without distortion.

Your listing photos are your first showing. Make them count.

09/16/2026

Florida homeowners — have you looked closely at your TRIM notice yet?

09/14/2026

Notice buyers seem a little less rushed lately? You're not imagining it.

In August, homes sat on the market for about 72 days in Lake County and 79 days in Marion County before finding a buyer. Listing prices dipped slightly too, compared to a year ago.

Sounds like a buyer's market, right? Not exactly. What we're actually seeing is a balanced market — and that's a good thing. Buyers get a little more breathing room, but sellers aren't giving away the store: homes still sold for only about 1.7% below their final asking price in both counties. That word "final" is doing a lot of work — plenty of sellers adjusted their price before landing in the range buyers were willing to pay.

So what does this mean in practice?

Sellers: Pricing right and presenting well still matter — a lot.

Buyers: More days on market can mean more room to negotiate price, repairs, or closing costs, especially on homes with condition issues or a longer history sitting unsold.

Here's the twist: not every property plays by these rules. A home with usable land, privacy, or no HOA — especially with good road access and few restrictions — can still be hard to come by, no matter what the averages say. On the flip side, poor access, deferred maintenance, or well/septic/insurance red flags can make a home linger even longer.

Bottom line: there's no single market out there. The real question is how your home — or the one you're eyeing — stacks up against its true competition.

Curious what this means for your situation? Reach out. I’m happy to talk it through with you.

Jeannette McIntosh, REALTOR®, Broker Assst.
eXp Realty
352-552-1746

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