Category: Selling Tips

In Orlando, an area geared to young professionals differs greatly from a family-friendly neighborhood. Learn what to look for when you’re starting a family.

Having children means your priorities often shift. Proximity to the bars, restaurants, and nightlife you used to love becomes less important than school districts, crime rates, and a sense of community. Here’s how to find the great perks for families in your next neighborhood.

1. School district information

The school district you choose is a huge decision for many parents. Of course, you want a school that offers a high-functioning environment for learning. You can use websites like GreatSchools. Always keep in mind that school districts do change sometimes.  Once you find an area you like, visit the neighborhoods that are zoned for those schools for a firsthand look.

2. Crime rates

From the moment you become a parent, your job is to keep your child safe. You baby-proof the home, maintain regular doctor visits and keep your child out of harm’s way. Searching for a neighborhood ranks right up there with the rest. Ask the local police for information on the area you are thinking of buying your home in.  They will direct you to various websites that can help you make your decision.

3. Strong community network

When you’re just starting a family, of course, you keep your old friends that don’t have kids. But let’s face it; your interests are suddenly quite a bit different. If making friends in the neighborhood tops your list of priorities, look for evidence of other families while you’re on the house hunt. Are children playing on the sidewalks? Are families out together for a walk? All of these signs point to lots of potential friends for you and your kids.

Need help finding the perfect home to start your family or want to move your current one to a bigger home in Seminole County? Contact a professional realtor here.

You love your pets, but not everyone else does. Some people have allergies, while others may be afraid of animals. They may not be familiar with all the smells and shedding from pets. A first impression is very important for potential buyers, make sure you make the best one you can.

Now that you are getting ready to show your home, what do you do about staging your home when it is occupied by your pets, their scents, their shedding, and their items? For an open house, you might ask your friends and relatives to watch your pets or you may wish to board them at a kennel while you have scheduled open house showings.

Here are some other tips to help you to prepare for an open house or a showing when you have a pet in the home:

• Put your pet(s) in an inside, safety gated area, or outside, if weather allows.
• Give your home a thorough cleaning, especially the areas your pet occupies the most.
• Put away any clawing trees, chew toys, etc., when you’re showing your home.
• If you have carriers or cages, keep those well-hidden.
• Clean all pet food bowls and dishes or put them away.
• Vacuum all areas where there are traces of fur, including drapes, couch pillows, carpets, and rugs.
• Empty garbage baskets and spray the inside with deodorizer.
• Scrub and clean any fish tanks or hamster cages.
• Open all the windows to circulate clean air in your home, if you have a strong pet smell consider a candle or deodorizer.

Now that you have removed all marks of your loved pets’ loose fur and pet-related items, check the outdoors surrounding your home. If the lawn is sprinkled with dog droppings, it is crucial to pick them up and dispose of them. There is nothing worse than a prospective buyer coming up the front walk and stepping in your dog’s mess!

Ready to sell your home? Contact an experienced realtor HERE that can give you all of the information you need to get your house on and off the market quickly!

Are you planning to sell your house this year? Remodeling a little can mean the difference between a home that’s “for sale” and one that’s “sold.” But before you decide to commit to any big project, be certain you’re investing in something that you’ll see a return. These renovation tips can help you know the home improvements you can do that will likely pay you back.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the most frequently used and commented upon space in the house, and that makes it your top renovation priority. Since an up-to-date kitchen helps attract homebuyers, a strong percentage of the money you put into this space can usually be expected to find its way back into your pocket.

Think Small

Even little, low-cost improvements can improve the appearance of your home more dramatically than you would expect. For example, a new coat of paint will transform the quality of a room. Also, adding new plants to the front yard will enhance your house’s curb appeal, creating the best possible first impression for home buyers.

Go With Gray

When selling your home, it’s important to appeal to the largest number of potential buyers you can. Hold off on painting the living room a strong color, no matter how much you love that shade of red. Picking the right shades of gray is important because it helps buyers visualize themselves living in your home.

Don’t Go Overboard

Don’t get yourself caught in the home improvement trap of shucking out renovation dollars you won’t make back when you sell. To be sure you’re spending wisely, ask a real estate professional for advice on if or not to try a particular renovation you could be considering.

Still not sure what renovation project will give you the best boost to your home’s value? Click here for a FREE home selling consultation from an experienced realtor!

When many buy a new home, they don’t plan on living there forever, but knowing when you need to sell can be a challenge. Whether your family is growing or you need a change of scenery, here are some great tips on when to know it’s time to sell.

1. Your home no longer matches your life

In some cases, you’ve outgrown a bachelor pad, or you’re expecting a child, or just need a little more space. The same can be true if you need less space or if you’ve decided you live in an inconvenient location from friends, family, or work. Whatever your situation, if your home or neighborhood are no longer a good fit, it’s probably the right time to sell and find a home and location that fits your life.

2. You have equity in your home

Your equity is your home’s value minus any home loans. If the home’s sale price is enough to pay off your current mortgage, plus additional selling costs, and any out of pocket money involved in closing the deal, then it’s a good indication that you can sell. Not sure if you have equity? We can help! Contact us here.

3. You can afford to move

Yes, you are going to make money when you sell your home, but if you plan on buying again there are going to be costs. This includes applying for a new mortgage, a down payment, potential movers, the list can go on. If you prepare for these costs in advance selling can be a much smoother process.

Having an experienced and professional realtor on your side is the best advantage you can have when selling a home. Your realtor is there to help you along the way and prepare you with all of the knowledge you need before you move. Ready to sell or move to Central Florida? Speak with a realtor by contacting us directly at (407) 493-0719 or click here for a free home selling consultation.