Author Archives for: DeLand Real Estate

DeLand, Florida “The Athens of Florida”

A Brief History on the Founding of DeLand, Florida

The county seat of Volusia county the city sits approximately 30 miles north of the central business district of Orlando and 23 miles west of the central business district of Daytona Beach. Founded in 1876 by Henry DeLand, DeLand is home to Stetson University, Florida’s oldest private college.

Originally known as Persimmon Hollow thanks to the persimmon trees that grow around the natural springs, DeLand was once only accessible by steam boat up the St. Johns River. Henry DeLand visited the area in the year 1876 and envisioned a thriving citrus, agricultural and tourism center. He ended up buying the land later that year and named the town after himself.

DeLand became officially incorporated in 1882 and became the county seat in 1887. It was also the first town in Florida to have electricity. The Gould family business being at the forefront of this movement being one of the first businesses in town to have electricity and the first to have air conditioning.

The Gould family moved to the DeLand area in 1885. V.W. Gould Senior was one of DeLand’s foremost historians and it is through his early efforts that much of the history of DeLand has been preserved. He was also a prolific writer of DeLand and West Volusia history as he published articles in varying magazines and newspapers that were circulated across the State of Florida. He served for many years as the Chairman of the Volusia County School Board and was an early member of the City Council. He was the first president and founding member of the West Volusia Association of Realtors. V.W. Gould Senior played a large role in developing the town to what it is today.

Downtown Deland Historic District

Downtown DeLand’s Mainstreet is known for its many notable 19th century buildings. It is known as a US historic district and contains 68 historic buildings.

Some of the building styles in this historic district include but are not limited to, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Frame and Masonry Vernacular, Mediterranean Revival, Mission, and Prairie.

One of the 68 historic buildings in the Downtown DeLand Historic District include the Gould Building.

 

 

 

DeLand, Florida Real Estate

When it comes to buying or selling real estate in the DeLand area, look no further than Vincent’s Realty. With over 40 years of experience in the DeLand are you can be sure that you are getting none other than the best service possible.

The Gould’s are one of DeLand’s founding families. V.W. Gould Senior is in large responsible for the development and growth of DeLand to what it is today. Some of the associates of the firm include Vincent’s son, Vincent Jr., Barbara Seacrist (who has over 40 years of real estate experience in the DeLand area), Stephen Gould (who heads of the insurance side of the business).

To speak with one of our agents today in regards to buying or selling residential or commercial real estate in DeLand or surrounding communities call (386) 734 3973.

10 Ways to Boost Home Value

  1. Real, EstateLandscaping – Unkempt bushes and tangled trees can obscure views, promote mold and block the appeal of a home.
  2. Kitchen – The kitchen is still considered the centerpiece of the home. Potential buyers make a beeline for this room when they first view a home for sale so it is important to make sure your kitchen looks clean and updated.
  3. Buff up the bath – Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are important rooms to keep updated. They can be improved without a lot of cash. Even simple things like a toilet seat or a sink are easy for homeowners to install.
  4. Storage – In most cases older homes do not have as much closet space. Adding more closet space will help to bring your home up to date.
  5. Adding a room – If you have a three bedroom home with a den, the only reason it cannot be considered a bedroom is due to its lack of a closet. If you add a closet to that room you now have an extra bedroom.
  6. Light – If you have boring or recessed lights in your dining room and living areas, consider replacing one of the room’s lights with an eye catching chandelier. Home stores offer a wide array of inexpensive ceiling fixtures these days.
  7. Home Office – Millions of Americans work from home, and that number is only growing every year. This has made a home office more of a necessity than a luxury.
  8. Add a Deck – Nailing a deck onto your home is truly a bargain. Today’s homeowners crave outdoor living space and are looking for something a little more special.
  9. Painting – Painting is one of the least expensive ways to freshen and improve the look of your home. Don’t have an eye for color? Not a neat painter? Then hire a professional. Painting is an affordable home enhancement that you can spend a little to hire an interior designer to help you select colors.
  10. Energy Efficient Appliances – Replacing old appliances with energy efficient models is better for the environment and also helps to save you money because they use less energy.

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Finding the right Home Insurance

Buying home insurance can be an overwhelming process. If something happens to your home, homeowners insurance can make or break you. Here are some tips to guide you when shopping for home insurance:

  1. Speaking with an independent home insurance agent. An independent does not represent just one company but instead multiple companies. This allows you to receive multiple quotes and thus find the best policy / coverage possible for your specific needs.
  2. Escrow your insurance payments with your mortgage payments. If you are like most homeowners, you will tack monthly insurance payments onto your mortgage check. The bank will pay your home insurance premiums out of your escrow account. In most cases lenders will prefer this option because it shows them your insurance premiums are being paid and their investment is well protected
  3. It is important to be sure you have adequate coverage. The most mportant aspect to home insurance is the level of coverage. No need in paying more than you need.
  4. Understand the details of your policy. It is important to know the fundamental terms of a home insurance policy.

To learn more about home insurance click here.

Guide to buying a Home

Guide to Buying a House

  1. Homeownership – Are you ready? Whether you are purchasing for your first time, or you are a repeat buyer, buying a home can be a financial and emotional decision that requires the expertise and guidance of trained professionals.
  2. Local, Professional Advice – In the maze of financing forms, inspections, pricing, and negotiation, it makes sense to work with professionals who know the local community and more.
  3. Get a mortgage pre-approval – It is important to find out how much you are able to afford before you begin your home search.
  4. Look at homes – Working with a local Vincent’s Realty realtor and educating yourself on the local market will help you focus in on your priorities and make informed purchasing decisions.
  5. Choose a home – Finding a home that meets your needs and priorities is important. Your home is your castle.
  6. Make an offer – A proposal to purchase a home includes price and terms.
  7. Get insurance – Car owners know the importance of car insurance. The same principals apply to home insurance as well. Home insurance protects owners in the event of catastrophe.
  8. Closing – The closing process is becoming increasingly more computerized and automated. Closings bring together a variety of parties who play a role in the real estate transaction.

Commercial Real Estate in DeLand Florida

We are a one stop shop, offering solutions for every phase of the commercial real estate sales process

When it comes to finding the best commercial real estate for your business in DeLand FL look no further than Vincent’s Realty. No matter what your commercial real estate needs may be the agents at Vincent’s Realty are ready to assist you. From Commercial real estate brokerage, business acquisitions, and sales and property management, we have you covered. We are a one stop shop, offering solutions for every phase of the commercial real estate sales process.

With over 100 years of experience in the DeLand area you can be sure that you are getting none other than the utmost expertise and professional service available. To speak with a commercial real estate agent today, contact us at (386) 734 3970.

How to choose the right home in DeLand, FL

Whether you are a first time buyer or a repeat buyer, the decision to make an offer on a house is very exciting and maybe a little scary. It is important to feel emotionally satisfied by your choice as well as financially comfortable that you are buying a home you can afford and that it hopefully holds onto its value or even increase in value in years to come.

Finding a home that meets your priorities and needs will ensure that you are happy for years to come.

The real estate agent’s at Vincent’s realty understand this and are ready to assist you in finding a home that is right for you. To contact an agent at Vincent’s Realty feel free to contact us today at (386) 734 3979.

To learn more about the DeLand, FL area click here

With over 100 years of Real Estate experience in the DeLand area you can be sure you are getting none other than the utmost customer service possible.

Vincents Realty, History In the words of the West Volusia Historical Society, “V. Ward Gould, Sr., was a lad of 15 when he moved to DeLand in 1885 with his parents. An entrepreneur of the first rank, he began hist first real estate agency in 1907 on W. Indiana Ave. where he ushered clients around in a one cylinder, hand cranked Cadillac. Gould also was a gifted writer who left behind a valuable record of DeLand’s early history.”

DeLand Real Estate Since 1972

Since 1972, Vincent’s Realty has striven to be a full service Real Estate Agency serving DeLand and surrounding communities. Our office hours are 8am to 5 pm Monday – Friday. We look forward to serving all of your real estate needs.

Vincents’s Realty was founded in 1972 by Vincent Gould III and has continued to provide DeLand and surrounding communities with competence and integrity ever since. Since 1972 we have set out to maintain ethical, honest, and professional business.