Real Estate

In real estate, a good first impression is key. If the outside of a house
looks welcoming, more people will want to come in and see it.

* Your agent helps you by giving advice on what you may want to
prioritize, finding easy fixes that make a big difference, knowing
what buyers in your area like, and showing off your updates in your
listing.

* Let’s connect so you have expert advice on what’ll have the biggest
impact in our area. 

Florida’s scorching real estate markets raise the bar for home sellers. Spending a fortune on extravagant upgrades is ill-advised because you’re unlikely to recoup 100% of your expenses. What you must do is make your house presentable enough to grab the attention of buyers with plenty of tantalizing property options to choose from.Deep-cleaning your home and fixing minor structural and aesthetic issues this spring can increase its perceived value and outshine comparable residences. Learn how to do it correctly to build considerable sweat equity in your house before listing it.How to Properly Clean Room by RoomMost living areas have unique cleaning needs. Here’s how to make various rooms spotless and functional.Living RoomMaking this space immaculate mainly involves these cleaning tasks, including:Scrubbing the baseboards, walls and ceiling: Dust these overlooked and inaccessible areas from the top down with a vacuum connected to a bristled brush hose attachment. Afterward, use a microfiber cloth damped with an all-purpose cleaner to wipe them down.Vacuum and mop the floor: Fire up your vacuum to remove dirt and crumbs. Then, use a mop to finish the job and get rid of stubborn grime.Wash rugs and carpets: If you have natural rugs, powder them with baking soda to deodorize them, let sit for a few minutes and shake them off. Vacuuming works wonders, too. If you have synthetic furnishings, send those without backings to a professional cleaner. You need rotary shampoo and hot water extraction machines to scrub waterproof ones properly.Buff hardware: Use pastes, creams and liquid polishes to reinvigorate medium- and heavy tarnished metal door, window, cabinet and drawer fixtures — such as knobs, handles, hinges, locks and pulls.Wax wooden surfaces: Use a soft cloth with mild dishwashing liquid and water to cleanse the wood. Once it has no dirt, wax it with a cotton rag a few feet at a time. Shine the covered area with a clean cloth when the wax dries.Dust cooled-off lights: Switch off and unplug lighting fixtures to let their surface temperatures decrease before cleaning them.Machine-wash throw pillows: Clean pillows with mild detergent and warm water in a front load washer on a delicate cycle. Check their fabric care labels to know which ones you must air-dry or put in a dryer with no heat.These tasks are universal, so do them when deep-cleaning your other rooms.KitchenMaking this space move-in ready can be demanding because stubborn substances soil its contents. These duties are essential in a thorough kitchen cleanup:Degrease your cabinetry with soapy, warm water.Empty the pantry, wipe down its items and reorganize everything.Rid appliances of spills and splatters with vinegar — which contains 5% acetic acid — and baking soda from the inside out.Your refrigerator needs extra attention. You must move it to dust its coils and vacuum and mop the area behind it. Take out its contents and then wash its inside and outside surfaces. If your freezer has no auto-frost functionality, defrost it first to thaw the ice buildup.If you have a kitchen hood, remove grease from its filters, body, vent and fan blades. Soak non-dishwasher-safe filters in hot water or mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with an equal amount of lemon juice.If any of your kitchen appliances malfunction, repair them or buy new ones. There’s no telling when a buyer comes along after putting your house on the market. Getting replacements allows you to continue enjoying your kitchen while you wait for offers.BathroomDeclutter your bath and throw away expired beauty products. Update your first-aid kit and replenish your toiletries. Disinfect your tub, shower area, toilet and sink with a potent germ-killing solution. Read the product’s instructions for guidance. Moreover, wash bath mats and shower liners. Replace old towels and linens with fresh ones.Apply new grout to repair gaps and cracks one line at a time. Removing stains and mildew with vinegar is safe and eco-friendly while scrubbing grime with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water gets the job done.Apply a penetrating grout sealer slowly and deliberately, then remove excess material with a cloth before it dries. Let it sit for as long as the manufacturer recommends before applying another coat.BedroomClean out dressers and closets. Toss garments you don’t need to help you organize your wardrobe.Follow these eight steps to clean your bed:Remove and wash bedding and pillows.Flip your mattress over.Let it get as much sunlight as possible to allow ultraviolet radiation to work its magic as a bacteria killer.Vacuum debris before sprinkling it with baking soda to remove any unpleasant odor.Let baking soda deodorize for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming it again.Wipe it generously with a sponge damped with a gentle dishwashing soap.Allow it to dry completely.Clean under your bed frame.GarageRegardless of how you use your garage, you must clear away its contents to free up the floor and coat it with epoxy. It will improve your space’s appearance, make it resistant to oil and render it maintenance-friendly.After applying an epoxy coating, sealing the gaps beneath your garage door must be your priority. Installing rubberized strips will make it airtight upon closing, preventing outside air from seeping in, maintaining low indoor humidity levels and keeping pests at bay.Put a premium on organization when putting your stuff back in. Sort your belongings by category first to know which storage solutions to buy. Bulky equipment can go into stackable bins. Hazardous substances belong in lockable cabinets. Small items can fit in clear jars. Label everything accordingly to find your supplies more quickly.Vertical shelving can maximize your garage’s height for storage. About 54% of Gen Xers, 51% of baby boomers and 40% of millennials rent or plan to rent self-storage solutions. One of the primary reasons is inadequate room at home. Addressing this need with additional storage space in the garage can make your house stand out.Spring Cleaning Is Home StagingDeep-cleaning your Florida home this spring sets the stage for open houses during the busiest real estate season. It’s backbreaking work, but this activity is worth the trouble to ensure your property is in good condition and give it one last deep-cleaning before handing over its keys to the new owner.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and home additions are smart strategies to enhance your property’s value and appeal. They create a versatile space that can serve as a rental unit, guest house or extended living area, and boost your home’s market value and attractiveness to buyers. Home additions — whether expanding living space or adding new rooms — tailor your property to your needs and make it stand out in the competitive real estate market. However, how long does it take to build one?Preliminary PlanningClarifying your project’s scope is crucial. Determining whether your goal is to create a rental income source with an ADU or to expand your living space with a home addition will guide your planning, design, and budgeting phases.This initial step ensures your project aligns with your long-term desires. In 2022, 10% of renovations in the U.S. were home additions, underscoring the popularity of expanding to meet evolving homeowner needs.Researching local regulations and obtaining the necessary permits is essential to the process. Zoning laws, building codes and permit requirements can significantly impact your project from design to completion.Remember — the time it takes to navigate this stage can vary widely depending on your location. In some areas, you might secure permits in weeks, while it could take months in others. Starting this research early and planning accordingly will help you set realistic timelines and avoid potential setbacks.Design and PermitsWorking with architects or designers is pivotal in turning your vision for a home addition or an ADU into a tangible plan. This collaboration begins with sharing your ideas and requirements, allowing the professionals to draft initial designs.Be prepared for a process requiring several iterations, as your feedback leads to revisions. The complexity of your project and the number of design drafts can significantly influence the time frame for finalizing plans.Navigating the permit process is another crucial phase, with waiting times that can vary significantly across different municipalities. Some areas process your application within weeks, while others could take several months. Florida jurisdictions may reduce permit fees by up to 75% if you retain a private provider for building inspection services, potentially offering substantial savings. Contractors or building companies experienced in local building requirements often understand the ins and outs of the process in your area, which can help secure permits more efficiently.In addition, you must obtain permission for other projects, such as installing a pool or deck, and updating the electrical system or plumbing. Ensure your plans are complete and comply with local codes before submission to streamline this step.Construction TimelinesThe construction phase starts with vital initial steps such as site preparation and foundation work. During site preparation, workers clear, level and prepare the area for construction. Then, they start with foundation work, which involves excavating, setting footers, and pouring concrete to support your ADU or home addition.This foundational stage typically spans several days, depending on the project’s scale and site conditions. It’s essential to account for this time frame in your overall project planning, as a solid foundation is critical for the durability and safety of your new structure.As the foundation sets, construction moves to framing, roofing and interior finishes. Framing gives your addition its shape and structure. Meanwhile, roofing protects it from the elements, and interior finishes transform it into a livable space.The construction of the addition can vary in time, usually taking several months to complete. While a typical project might progress smoothly within expected time frames, it’s wise to anticipate potential delays due to weather, materials shortages or labor availability.The final phase includes a thorough inspection to ensure everything meets local building codes and standards, followed by necessary adjustments. This last step is crucial and can take additional weeks. It underscores the importance of building in extra time into your project timeline for these final touches.Factors Affecting Timelines and How to Manage ThemWeather is significant in construction schedules, particularly for external work such as framing, roofing and foundation setting. For instance, rain, snow or extreme temperatures can halt work, extending the timeline of your project. These delays are inconvenient and can impact other scheduled tasks, pushing your completion date further.To mitigate weather-related risks, planning your construction during your area’s most stable weather periods is wise. However, always prepare for unexpected changes by incorporating buffer times into your schedule.Material delays and labor shortages are other critical factors that can extend your project. The current market experiences many fluctuations, leading to unforeseen delays in material delivery and a need for more skilled labor. Financial preparation for material and cost escalation can prevent unnecessary spending and ensure your project continues progressing despite rising prices.Partnering with reputable contractors with established supply chains and workforce can also help mitigate these risks. Since more complex or larger projects naturally take longer, setting realistic expectations is crucial. Understanding the potential for delays and budgeting your schedule and finances accordingly guarantees a smoother construction process.Planning for SuccessWhen planning your ADU or home addition project, embracing flexibility is crucial. Incorporate buffer periods to manage unexpected delays gracefully. Clear communication with architects, contractors and local authorities is paramount. For example, keeping your sentences below 25 words promotes straightforward, effective exchanges that help keep your project on track.This approach aids in maintaining timelines and in navigating the financial aspects of your project. In addition, budgeting for unforeseen delays or costs prepares you for any scenario. It reduces stress, which allows for a smoother project flow.Maximizing Property Value with ADUs and Home AdditionsConstructing an ADU or home addition can significantly enhance your property’s value, offering appealing benefits for sellers and buyers. Approach these projects with patience, flexibility, and thorough planning to guarantee the best outcomes and maximize the return on your investment. While the timeline of a build varies by design, home and construction crew, this basic schedule provides a rough estimate of when your new space should be complete.

One of the biggest hurdles buyers have faced over the past few years has
been a lack of homes available for sale. But that’s starting to change.

3% Commission to the Agent and over 10K in upgrades for the buyer.

In today’s housing market, more and more single women are becoming
homeowners. According to data from the National Association of Realtors
(NAR), 19% of all homebuyers are single women, while only 10% are single
men.

Buying a home is exciting, especially if this is your first time. However, knowing how much house you can realistically afford before dreaming of a new place is crucial. You might only consider the price tag, but a home purchase involves more than that. Understanding the various costs helps you make the right decision and ensures your property becomes a wise investment. Understanding Home AffordabilityUnderstanding home affordability is your first step in the quest to find a home. This involves more than asking yourself if you can pay the mortgage — you must also look at your financials. This way, you can enjoy your new home without stretching your budget too thin.What Does Home Affordability Mean?Home affordability is about balancing your dream home’s cost with your financial health. It ensures your monthly house payments are manageable based on income and debts. This helps you maintain a comfortable lifestyle while enjoying your new place.Income vs. DebtThe relationship between your income and debt is key in determining what you can afford. Lenders evaluate this through your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, a percentage of your gross monthly income used to pay off debts. A healthy number signifies to lenders that you can manage a mortgage comfortably on top of your obligations.The 28/36 Rule and New RecommendationsThe 28/36 rule is a traditional rule of thumb for assessing affordability. This guideline suggests that up to 28% of your gross monthly income should be dedicated to housing expenses and no more than 36% to total debt service.However, a recent report from ATTOM highlights a more conservative approach, especially for average wage earners looking at median-priced single-family homes. Because house prices are rising, ATTOM recommends a maximum DTI of 28%, assuming a 20% down payment. Prices and wages can differ greatly from one area to another in Florida, so adhering to this guideline ensures homeownership does not cause financial strain.Key Factors Influencing Home AffordabilitySeveral key factors influence how much house you can afford:Home price: The starting point in your home affordability calculation is the price of the residence. While the median listing price for a house in the U.S. is around $300,000, remember that the market can vary greatly in different areas.Interest rates: Your mortgage interest rate will impact your monthly payments and the total amount you’ll pay over the life of the loan. Lower rates make homes more affordable by reducing the cost of borrowing.Realtor costs: Buying or selling a home usually involves Realtor fees, which are typically a percentage of the home’s sale price. These costs can affect the total amount you’ll spend in the homebuying process.Home inspection and closing: A home inspection is essential before finalizing your purchase to identify any issues with the property. Closing costs also add to your total expenditure, including loan origination fees, title insurance and more. It’s particularly important in Florida to consider the costs of hurricane damage and flooding inspections.Property taxes and home insurance: Property taxes vary by location and can affect monthly housing costs. Home insurance is also a must and can add to monthly expenses.Wages and credit score: Your income and credit score are critical in determining how much you can borrow and at what interest rate. Higher wages and a better credit score can lead to more favorable loan terms, making your house more affordable.How to Calculate How Much House You Can AffordMake it easy to calculate how much house you can afford by following a few simple steps:1. Do a Quick CalculationYou can quickly calculate how much house you can afford using the 28/36 rule. To get a rough estimate, calculate your monthly income by adding up your annual income before taxes and dividing by 12. Then, apply the 28% rule by multiplying your monthly income by 0.28.This figure gives you an expectation of the monthly mortgage payment you can afford. For example, say you make $5,000 per month. Multiply $5,000 by 0.28 and you get $1,400. With this monthly budget for your mortgage, you can consider the total loan amount to which this monthly payment may correspond.2. Check Your Credit ScoreAfter you’ve estimated what you can afford, the next step is to check if your credit score is good enough to qualify for a mortgage loan. A higher number indicates to lenders that you’re a lower-risk borrower, which can lead to more favorable loan conditions. The magic number is 740 or above for receiving the lowest interest rates. While securing a mortgage with a lower score is possible, you may face higher interest rates, resulting in more expensive monthly payments.Check your credit score by getting a free report each year from major credit reporting agencies like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can review these reports at Annual Credit Report.com for a comprehensive look at your history and score.3. Gather Your Financial InformationIt’s important to have all your financial information at hand before approaching mortgage lenders. This includes your monthly household income, details of existing debts, and an overview of your savings and investments. Having a clear understanding of your finances streamlines the mortgage application process while accurately determining how much you can afford to pay.4. Determine Your Debt-to-Income RatioAfter gathering your financial details, determine your DTI. Lenders use this metric to evaluate your ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts. Maintaining a DTI ratio within acceptable limits is essential for securing a mortgage that aligns with your financial goals and capabilities.5. Calculate Your Home AffordabilityOnce you have a clear picture of your financial situation, you can calculate how much house you can afford. This step involves synthesizing the information you’ve gathered so far. The goal is to pinpoint your price range while keeping your finances in check.To calculate your home affordability, consider factors such as a 3%-20% down payment, interest rate, loan term, taxes and insurance. Using online mortgage calculators can simplify this process. Inputting your financial details can give you a detailed estimate of how much house you can afford. Tools like these consider current interest rates, your down payment and other critical variables to provide a picture of total affordability.Setting the Stage for Homeownership SuccessAs you look forward to finding your dream house, remember that preparation is key. Carefully assessing your finances and understanding the full scope of home affordability will set you up for a stress-free homebuying experience. With the right tools and knowledge, you’ll be ready to make informed decisions that align with your financial well-being and homeownership goals.

As summer winds down and you soak in the remaining days of sunshine, you’ll want to start thinking about preparing your vacation home for the off-season. Properly closing everything up is essential, whether you host short-term rentals or live there part time. Ensure your vacation home remains safe and secure for months of vacancy with these 10 tips.1. Make Necessary UpgradesThe off-season is the perfect time to upgrade your holiday dwelling. As life becomes more hectic and bookings slow down, you can take better stock of what you need to fix. Perhaps you’ve wanted to give the house a fresh coat of paint or renovate the kitchen. If you’re a host, imagine how many renters you’ll entice with a newly renovated home in the coming season.Hiring a property management company may also be worthwhile in taking care of housekeeping, landscaping and maintenance for you while the house is unoccupied.2. Reset the ThermostatEven Florida is known for having occasional freezes with bursting pipes, but setting your thermostat too high will result in unnecessarily high heating and cooling costs. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends programming your thermostat back 7–8˚ Fahrenheit for eight hours daily from its typical setting. Another rule of thumb is to leave it at 68–70˚ F in the wintertime.A smart thermostat allows you to manage your vacation home’s indoor temperature remotely using your smartphone. You’ll no longer have to worry about traveling to the property when the weather turns, reaping the benefits of energy savings.3. Double-Check the Windows and DoorsIt would be an unpleasant surprise to reopen your vacation home months later and find it torn apart or sheltering squatters. Checking the locks on windows and doors could be your saving grace for preventing theft during the off-season.The garage door also needs securing — approximately 9% of break-ins occur through it. Many garage door openers have a “vacation mode” you can press to prevent access from the outside.4. Unplug DevicesUnplug appliances, televisions and other devices — including alarm clocks and coffee makers — before closing up your vacation home for the winter. This will prevent phantom loads from driving up utility costs and avoid damage from electrical surges.A coffee maker isn’t going to break the bank on its own. However, when you factor in other kitchen appliances — like the microwave, toaster oven and the small countertop television — you could save $10–$20 in electricity expenses annually.5. Use Smart Home TechnologyAside from smart thermostats, there are other modes of smart home automation to help you care for your vacation property during the off-season. Smart lighting gives the impression your home is occupied by allowing you remote access to switches, deterring potential burglaries.You can also set up a smart home security system with remote surveillance and control over the alarm. Keyless door locks, motion sensor outdoor lights and security cameras are other effective technologies you can utilize during the off-season.6. Contact Your Insurance CompanyMost vacation homeowners might not consider contacting their insurance providers to let them know the home will be vacant for the coming months. However, the company might have specific demands to maintain your home’s coverage while you’re gone.There’s a good reason why homeowners insurance premiums are 2–3 times more expensive for a vacation home — there tend to be more claims during off-seasons than at a primary residence. Yet, off-season coverage usually includes fire- and weather-related property damage, theft, and loss of personal belongings. Likewise, it protects other property structures like poolhouses, docks, sheds and detached garages.7. Seal Toilets, Drains and PipesThe last thing you want is to return to your vacation home at the start of the next season, only to find your property crawling with critters. Pests and rodents find sneaky ways to enter an unoccupied house, including toilets, drains and ventilation pipes.For example, snakes may crawl into vent stacks for food and shelter, but these pipes usually connect to home plumbing fixtures. Rats may also enter your vacation home through toilets. In fact, they can squeeze their way into any ½ inch opening easily or by gnawing and climbing.Remember to close toilet bowl lids and plug sink drains before closing your vacation home for the off-season. Some people seal the toilet bowls with plastic wrap or secure mesh around ventilation pipes to close off all access points to the house.8. Store Any ValuablesMost vacation homeowners have an owner’s closet to store their personal effects for safekeeping during short-term rentals. This closet usually remains locked unless the homeowner stays at the property.Although hosts know better than to keep expensive items lying around during bookings, there may still be things you want to protect. Place all valuables in the owner’s closet during the off-season. Although you’ll take other precautions like locking doors and setting the alarm, you can never be too careful. Whatever doesn’t fit in the owner’s closet should go home with you.9. Dispose of TrashBefore vacating the property, go through the refrigerator and cabinets to ensure you don’t leave any food behind. It could be months before you return and you don’t want to find mold or foul odors.Likewise, check the garbage bins throughout each room and dispose of all trash. Even bathroom debris will attract bugs.10. Do a Deep CleanOnce you’ve finished preparing your vacation home for the off-season, give it a deep cleaning. Even if you keep up with housekeeping during your extended stay, it’s best to sanitize thoroughly — this is especially true if you’ve had short-term renters.It’s worth hiring a cleaning company to come in and do the heavy work for you. You might also want to consider bringing in another crew before you reopen the following year. Your vacation home will look and feel fresher when it’s spotless, and you can rest assured you’re closing a germ-free house.Close for the Off-Season Without WorryClosing your vacation home for the off-season may make you feel vulnerable — after all, anything can happen when it’s vacant for months. Fortunately, when you take care of the essentials beforehand, you can lock up without worry.

As a potential buyer or seller in the current real estate market, it is
crucial to understand the correlation between various key metrics to make
informed decisions.

Moving to a new home is an exciting journey, brimming with possibilities
and hope, especially for families. When you embark on this adventure, the
well-being and happiness of your children and pets are paramount. This
comprehensive guide delves into prioritizing amenities for children and
pets when moving homes, ensuring your new abode is a nurturing and joyful
environment for the entire family.