As the holiday season winds down and the Christmas decorations are packed away, the start of the new year presents the perfect opportunity to refresh your home and set it up for a successful sale in the coming months. With the holidays behind us, now is the time to focus on creating a space that not only feels fresh and organized but is also ready to attract potential buyers when the spring market rolls around.
Many of us make resolutions to declutter, reorganize, and simplify our lives in the new year. Why not apply that same mindset to your home? By tackling these tasks early, you’ll not only enjoy a more organized and peaceful living space, but you’ll also be positioning your home for success when it’s time to list. Whether it’s addressing clutter, or making small improvements, taking advantage of this quieter time of year will allow you to prepare your home at a comfortable pace — without the stress of last-minute rushes.
Here are some practical tips on what you can do now to get your home ready for sale:
Boost Curb Appeal The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, so make a great first impression. Keep your lawn well-mowed, power wash siding and walkways, and add fresh flowers or greenery near the entrance for a welcoming feel.
Make Necessary Repairs Address visible issues like leaky faucets, broken appliances, or faulty wiring before listing. Buyers will appreciate a well-maintained home, and small repairs can prevent them from asking for price reductions or walking away.
Consider Cosmetic Upgrades If you’re on a budget, focus on simple upgrades like a fresh coat of paint, especially in high-traffic areas such as entryways or kitchens. These small changes can make your home feel more modern and move-in ready.
Declutter and Depersonalize Clear out personal items like family photos and excess furniture to help buyers envision themselves in the space. A clean, neutral environment with minimal distractions allows potential buyers to focus on the home itself.
Do a Deep Clean A thorough cleaning can make a big difference. Wash windows, clean carpets, and pay attention to the kitchen and bathrooms—these areas can make or break a sale. A spotless home gives the impression of being well-cared-for.
Stage Your Home Staging can help buyers imagine the full potential of a space, possibly leading to higher offers and a quicker sale. Avoid using seasonal decor, which can date the listing, and opt for timeless, neutral touches to keep the home appealing year-round.
By following these simple steps, you’ll increase your chances of a quick, profitable sale in the competitive spring market.
Head over to Homegrown in Horizon West—the bi-monthly market in Winter Garden that’s become the Sunday activity you’ve been waiting for! Whether you’re looking to relax with live music, discover unique handcrafted goods, or indulge in delicious food and drinks, this vibrant market has something for everyone. With activities ranging from yoga classes to a car show and plenty of local vendors, Homegrown in Horizon West offers a perfect way to spend your Sunday, all while supporting the incredible talent and community spirit of Horizon West. Don’t miss out on this exciting, community-centered event!
Live Music: Unwind and enjoy live tunes while sipping on an ice-cold beer or a freshly brewed craft coffee. The perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon!
Yoga Class: Start your Sunday on the right foot with a revitalizing yoga session hosted by Warrior One Yoga Studio. Join us at 10 a.m. on the Home State Brewing Co. lawn for only $10, and as a bonus, enjoy a complimentary beer afterward!
Artisan Vendors: Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring local artisans who bring their creativity and passion to the table. From unique handcrafted goods to one-of-a-kind treasures, you’re sure to find something special.
Food Vendors: Tempt your taste buds with delicious eats from local food vendors. Whether you’re craving savory bites or sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving and take home for later.
Cars and Coffee: Calling all car enthusiasts! The Horizon West Cars and Coffee event is happening from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the rooftop level of Cinepolis’ parking garage. This event is FREE to attend, so bring your fellow car lovers and enjoy the impressive lineup. Note: Takes place on the FIRST SUNDAY of every month.
Filigree Coffee: Stop by Home State Brewing and visit Filigree Coffee for your caffeine fix. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or prefer a non-caffeinated beverage, their carefully curated menu has something for everyone.
Home State Brewing Co.: Looking for more than just coffee? Home State Brewing opens at 10 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month for Homegrown in Horizon West. Grab a refreshing drink, enjoy the live music on the patio, and take a break from your shopping.
Monthly Spotlight on Community Impact: Each month, Homegrown in Horizon West highlights a different local nonprofit. Join us in celebrating the incredible work these organizations are doing right here in our community and learn how you can make a difference.
Join us at Homegrown in Horizon West for an unforgettable experience every first and third Sunday of the month!
Owning a vacation home can be a dream, but it requires proper maintenance and care to avoid costly issues. Unlike primary residences, vacation homes often remain vacant for extended periods, which can lead to problems if not properly managed. Plumbing failures, storm damage, and pest infestations are just a few of the potential issues.
To ensure a hassle-free experience, it’s important for vacation homeowners, especially first-time buyers, to consider key maintenance tasks. Here are some essential tips for keeping your vacation property in top shape:
Work from a Checklist Use a detailed checklist to manage home maintenance. Having local service professionals who can check on the home during inclement weather is vital. For example, in snowy areas, a service can clear ice dams and plow driveways, while in hurricane-prone regions, shutters and furniture can be secured. Key systems like heating and water should be turned off when the home is unoccupied.
Embrace Smart Home Technology Smart devices can help monitor your property remotely. Apps like Nest and Arlo allow you to track temperatures and security, while tools like MyCentriq simplify home maintenance management. These technologies ensure you can stay on top of potential issues, even when you’re away.
Hire a Property Manager Consider hiring a property manager to oversee routine maintenance and check-ups, especially after storms. Many property management services offer packages that include security checks, appliance monitoring, and even concierge services, giving homeowners peace of mind.
Review Insurance Coverage Insurance for vacation homes is similar to primary residences, but coverage may differ due to the increased risks of vacancy. Vacation homes are more prone to damage, vandalism, and long-term issues that go unnoticed. It’s crucial to understand your policy and consider additional measures like automatic water shutoff alarms.
Plan Before Buying Before purchasing a vacation home, it’s wise to rent first and explore the area to understand the upkeep involved. If you plan to rent out your property, make sure to check for any HOA or local restrictions regarding rentals.
With these preventive measures, vacation homeowners can enjoy their property without the stress of unexpected problems, ensuring their investment remains a source of relaxation, not headaches.
For more information: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/home-and-design/help-homeowners-maintain-their-vacation-homes
Holiday Fun in Four Corners: A Season of Joy for All Ages!
The Four Corners area is bursting with festive events this holiday season, offering something special for everyone – from families with young children to adults looking to get into the holiday spirit! Whether you’re visiting the vibrant town of Clermont, the charming streets of Winter Garden, or the lively Margaritaville Resort, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to make memories and celebrate the season.
Margaritaville’s Holiday Celebrations
Start your holiday adventures at Kissimmee’s Margaritaville Resort, where the fun is just beginning! Two standout events are perfect for families, and both feature a chance to meet the man of the season – Santa Claus himself!
Breakfast with Santa: Gather the little ones and head to Margaritaville for a magical breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a festive meal while the kids get a chance to meet the jolly old man in person, share their wish lists, and take memorable photos.
Margaritaville Holiday Celebration: This event brings even more festive fun, complete with holiday lights, live entertainment, and a chance to snap that perfect holiday photo with Santa.
Clermont’s Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
For those in or near Clermont, you won’t want to miss the highly anticipated Clermont Christmas Parade. This annual event is a favorite tradition, with beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, and plenty of holiday cheer. Whether you’re watching from the sidelines with family or friends, it’s a wonderful way to kick off the season.
If you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy the festivities, head over to the Christmas Tree Lighting and Street Party in downtown Clermont. This event is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with live music, enjoying food trucks, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The magical moment of lighting the town’s Christmas tree will definitely make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.
Davenport’s Winterfest & Christmas Parade
Davenport also gets into the holiday spirit with two much-loved annual events: Winterfest and Christmas Parade.
Winterfest and Christmas Parade: This holiday extravaganza in Davenport is a must for the whole family! head to the heart of Davenport for its Christmas Parade, a favorite local tradition. Enjoy the festive floats, local performers, and festive fun as the town parades through in true holiday style. It’s a great way to gather with friends and family to watch the season come to life!
Light Up Winter Garden
Lastly, don’t miss the dazzling display at Light Up Winter Garden, an annual event held in the heart of historic downtown Winter Garden. Known for its stunning holiday lights, this event transforms the town into a magical holiday destination. From the beautiful lights lining the streets to the seasonal festivities, it’s an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Stroll through the streets, enjoy holiday treats, and embrace the unique charm of Winter Garden.
Bringing the Community Together: A Heartwarming Success at the Hands of Hope’s Holiday Love Thy Neighbor Food Drive"
This holiday season, the Hands of Hope America food distribution drive brought our Four Corners community together in an incredible show of generosity and support. Thanks to the kindness of our neighbors, local businesses, and dedicated partners, we were able to provide turkeys and essential holiday food staples to families and individuals in need right in our community.
Countless families, all coming together to receive food that would make their holiday celebrations brighter, were greeted by volunteers. A big thank you goes out to the many of these volunteers, including several of our own RE/MAX Heritage agents, who worked tirelessly to fill boxes and distribute food with smiles and warmth.
It was truly inspiring to see how our community rallies around those who need it most, and we’re so grateful for the outpouring of support from our Four Corners community. Donations—whether large or small—made all the difference for many this holiday season. This food drive is a testament to the power of community, showing that when we all come together, we can create meaningful change and make the holiday season a little brighter for everyone.
Hands of Hope America is a nonprofit that has truly made a lasting impact in Four Corners. For years, they’ve been a lifeline for countless local families and individuals, offering more than just short-term relief—they’re about creating pathways for lasting change. To learn more about this incredible organization visit their website.
Property Management Spotlight: Tips for Extending the Lifespan of your garbage disposal
Keeping up with your home’s garbage disposal might seem like a small task, but it has huge benefits. As our property expert Lucy Hinson explains, regular upkeep of this important kitchen appliance has huge benefits.
While it might not cross your mind often, your garbage disposal is an essential appliance in your kitchen that deserves some care and attention. While not overly expensive, preventative care of your disposal can save you from costly plumbing issues in the future. After all, your garbage disposal is connected to your home’s plumbing system. When you grind food waste, it travels through a network of pipes—so it’s important to ensure your disposal is functioning properly to avoid clogging or damage.
Here are some key tips to help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly:
Run it Regularly
Using your garbage disposal frequently helps keep it in good working order. A well-used disposal is less likely to develop issues, as it keeps food waste moving through the system.
Use Cold Water
Always run cold water while using your disposal. Cold water helps solidify any fats or oils, making it easier for the disposal to grind them up without causing clogs in the pipes.
Avoid Large Food Chunks
To prevent overworking the motor, avoid putting large food pieces into the disposal. Cut larger items into smaller pieces before grinding.
Clean it Every Two Weeks
Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can cause odors and reduce efficiency. Clean your disposal at least once every two weeks to maintain its performance.
Grind Thoroughly
Always ensure that the disposal has ground the food completely before turning it off. This prevents leftover debris from clogging the pipes.
Keep Fibrous Foods Out
Certain foods like celery, corn husks, and potato peels can cause blockages because they tangle around the blades. Avoid putting these fibrous materials downthe disposal.
Skip the Bones and Eggshells
While it might seem tempting, bones and eggshells can damage the blades or cause clogs. They should never be put in the disposal.
By following these simple tips, you’ll help ensure your garbage disposal works efficiently for years to come, avoiding unnecessary plumbing headaches and costly repairs.
If you have any questions about your rental properties or questions about rental homes, how to get your homes listed to ReMax Heritage, feel free to reach out to our amazing Property Manager, Lucy Hinson, at lucy@bardellrealestate.com.
