2521 Rosemont Cir Davenport is Fully furnished pool home in the highly sought after gated resort golf community of Providence. Located in the Rosemont subdivision characterized by barrel tile roofs and just a short distance from the Club House. The open living and dining area benefit from lots of natural light and provides access through sliding doors onto the pool deck. The fully equipped kitchen with 42 inch cabinets, granite counter tops and breakfast bar is at the center of the home keeping everyone involved. The master bedroom with en-suite is at the rear of the home with direct access onto the pool deck and the en-suite doubles as a pool bath. Two bedrooms share the house bathroom and the fourth bedroom at the front of the home also has an en-suite making it ideal for two families or multi generational living. Outside the heated in ground pool offers a great place to play or relax and you still have plenty of deck space to dine or entertain under the covered lanai. Providence Golf Community offers 24-hour guard gated security, an 18-hole championship course, clubhouse with restaurant and bar, fitness center, resort style pool and spa, tennis courts as well as walking and biking trails. Currently used as a vacation rental and already has bookings and management in place but could also be used as a permanent residence or snowbird retreat – it’s your choice so make sure to view today.
One of the hardest parts of selling your home is all the unknowns: Who will buy your place, and for how much? How long will it take? That uncertainty might make you particularly eager to soak up advice from just about anyone who’s willing to share. Problem is, just because your sister or co-worker swear by certain rules that worked for them, it doesn’t mean they’ll be a magic solution for you, too.
Fact is, a lot of the real estate advice circulating out there is outdated, region-specific, or just plain wrong. As proof, check out this list of tips that many home sellers hear … then learn how these words of wisdom don’t always hold water. Let this serve as a reminder that when selling a home, you should take everything you hear with a huge grain of salt.
‘You should always list your home in the spring’
Common knowledge says home-buying season starts in the spring and goes through the fall. Not true, says Melisa Aponte, a real estate agent with the Keyes Group in Miami, FL.
“January is a great listing month,” she points out. “People are back from the holidays and ready to start looking.”
Well, at least in places that don’t have a nasty winter, like Miami. Which makes a larger point about real estate advice in general, Aponte says: Every market is different, and what’s great advice in one area can be terrible advice in another.
Besides, when it comes to deciding when to list a home, there are two sides to the coin. Busier times mean more buyers, but also more sellers and more competition. Listing your home when inventory is low could snag the right buyer quickly. Life is unpredictable, and there will always be buyers looking in the “off season,” too.
‘You’ll find your buyer at an open house’
Open houses are exciting, akin to a debutante ball where your home makes its fresh-faced appearance to scads of suitors all at once. And that’s fine, but don’t expect this to be the venue where you find “the one” who makes an offer. While that can occur, open houses are more like parties, filled with swains who aren’t ready to settle down, says Anita Clark, a real estate agent in Warner Robins, GA. Serious home buyers will more often request a private one-on-one showing instead.
Of course, you don’t want to skip the open house entirely. It’s a great way for people to browse, and hey, you never know. Maybe your looky-loo neighbor has a family member who would love to buy your place after all. But it’s time to let go of the idea that an open house is a key step on the road to your ultimate buyer.
‘You can save money by paying less in commission’
Reluctant to fork over the 6% commission that real estate agents typically request to sell your home? Sure, that may seem like a lot of money, but what you might not realize is just how much work an agent does behind the scenes.
“A lot of people don’t understand that an agent’s job is more than just listing the home on the MLS,” says Aponte. Agents’ commissions pay for their time and for marketing materials. Posters, flyers, broker open houses, and yard signs all come from the money you pay your agent.
But beyond that, “it gives your agent the power to offer money to other agents who have qualified buyers,” she explains. That’s because the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent split the commission.
Though in an ideal world, buyers’ agents would show them every property in their price range, regardless of commission, unfortunately it doesn’t always work that way, says Aponte.
“So if there are a lot of properties on the market and you’re only offering 2% commission, there are agents who won’t show that property,” she says.
Ultimately, you get what you pay for, and a higher commission can often justify itself in the sense that you can reel in tons of buyers, and (hopefully) spark a bidding war that’ll fetch top dollar.
‘Price your home high—and hold out for a buyer who’ll pay it’
Of course you want to get the most you can for your property. Still, pricing it sky-high and hoping a gullible buyer will fall for this aspirational sum? Not a great plan.
“I want to sell your property for a million dollars too, but I would be doing you a disservice to price it that way if the comps are saying $500,000,” says Aponte. Home buyers are highly sensitive to overpaying, and will quickly steer clear. And the longer your house sits on the market, the more buyers will begin to think something’s wrong with it … and lob you a lowball offer.
The best way to avoid this debacle is to price a house right from the start—not too high, not too low—and then seriously consider any offers that roll in, even if they aren’t as great as you’d hoped. To start things off, you can enter your address in a home value estimator to get a ballpark figure of how much your home is worth, then fine-tune that number with an agent’s help.
‘Here’s what the market is going to look like next year…’
Sure, it makes sense that real estate professionals will make educated guesses to help guide buyers’ and sellers’ decision-making. The operative word here is “educated.” Fact is, nobody really knows what the market is going to do; if they did, the housing crash of 2008 would have looked a lot different!
“Beware of ‘future’ predictions that don’t come from a reputable source,” says Dillar Schwartz, a real estate agent in Austin, TX. Sure, your brother-in-law or best friend might be trying to help, but keep in mind that their armchair philosophizing about the future of real estate is just an opinion—nothing more.
Ready to make a Move?
Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.
Home sellers often hear that if they ever hope to find a buyer, they must whip their house into perfect shape—fix this, paint that, overhaul your horribly outdated kitchen. But just looking at the list of renovations is exhausting!
This leads many to wonder: Do I really need to do all that just to sell my home?
If that’s how you feel, here’s some good news: There actually are some good reasons—meaning reasons other than sheer laziness or lack of budget—to not bother renovating before you sell. Really.
Your rock during emotional moments. A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.
Surprised or secretly relieved? Here’s why you should give yourself permission to skip certain upgrades before putting your house on the market.
1. You can’t read your buyers’ minds
Talia McKinney, a licensed real estate salesperson for Nest Seekers International in Brooklyn, NY, once had a seller who updated her kitchen floors and countertops and splurged on high-end, stainless-steel appliances in the hopes of getting more money for her sale.
Unfortunately, “the buyer who got into contract wanted a different color floor, different countertops, and black matte appliances. They basically wanted to rip out and change everything my seller just renovated,” says McKinney.
The moral of this story: Don’t assume you know what can drive a potential sale.
“When a buyer comes into a home, they have a vision of what they want. Just because something is new and renovated doesn’t mean they’ll pay a premium on that,” McKinney says. “Leave the property as is or do minor touch-ups rather than put a lot of money into upgrades.”
2. Renovate on the cheap, and it’ll show
It’ll make a difference all right—but not for the reason you may think.
“Every time I walk with a buyer through a home that has laminate floors, Home Depot light fixtures and vanities, or cheap cabinets, there is a visceral disappointment factor—an ‘Add that to the list of things I need to budget for once we close,'” admits Courtney Poulos, broker-owner of ACME Real Estate in Los Angeles.
“Rarely does the cost of any home renovation increase the value of the property enough to offset the renovation costs, time, and energy,” says Terrie O’Connor, broker and president of Terrie O’Connor Agency, which handles luxury real estate listings in Saddle River, NJ, and other towns.
3. Small upgrades won’t change the house itself
“I have seen instances in which a flipper buys a cute, little house that needs work, and thinks that just by some painting, tiling, and a new builder-grade kitchen, they can sell the house for two-thirds more than they paid,” says Lori Hoffman-Chlapowski, a licensed real estate broker for William Raveis Real Estate in Chappaqua, NY.
They seldom do, she says. “The house is still small, and buyers are keenly aware when a renovation is cheaply done.”
And so, the property sits on the market. Until, she adds, “the seller can finally find a buyer willing to pay just a bit more than the renovation itself cost.”
4. Taking the DIY route might make things worse
Jose Hernandez, a real estate consultant in Chicago, once had sellers forgo professional contractors and redo bathrooms themselves to save money.
“But while the tile and vanity were new, it was all improperly installed,” he remembers.
Cheap repairs don’t add value, Hernandez cautions. Rather, “sometimes they negatively affect the value because the buyer sees it as another project that has to be redone.”
5. You might end up going overboard
First, you fix the floor. Then you realize the kitchen cabinets need to be replaced. And the countertops. And the sink. And, hell, you might as well do the appliances, too. Once you start fiddling with stuff in your kitchen (or bathroom, or any other room of your house), you may realize you keep finding more and more stuff that needs to be (cheaply and quickly) redone.
“I’ve seen plenty of clients overspend or design too specifically and then net less money than they would have if they had just sold the home in its prerenovation condition,” says Mark Cianciulli, a Realtor and a co-founder of the CREM Group, in Los Angeles.
And while a full renovation can return you a lot of money when you sell, there’s no guarantee. And by the way, did you really mean to do a full renovation?
What you should do instead
Want to get your house ready to sell without going overboard? Here’s how to tread that fine line.
Take care of major problems: First things first, “fix any maintenance issues that might prevent a future buyer from getting financing,” says Amine Aghzafi, managing partner and real estate agent with the Sheehan Agency, in Jupiter, FL.
If your roof, water heater, or plumbing are ancient, consider replacing those items before they cause issues at inspection time.
Not sure of your home’s problem areas? “Consider having a presale inspection before putting the house on the market,” says Aghzafi. “This will bring to light any major points that need addressing and help prioritize costs if your budget is limited.”
Go for truly easy DIY upgrades: Swap out old light fixtures, switch out new handles on your kitchen cabinets, and paint the trim in your home to instantly improve the contrast with the current paint. These are all “inexpensive upgrades that add significant value to your home and will cost a fraction of a full or partial remodel,” Cianciulli says.
Stage your home: Home stagers systematically pack up your personal items, clear out your clutter, and rearrange (or remove) furniture to optimize your home’s flow. Then they bring in their own gorgeous furniture and accessories.
“The proper furnishings showcase the home’s best features, while drawing attention away from any negatives,” says O’Connor. “It creates a mood for the buyer.”
A staged home will also shine in the online listing, which is crucial.
“Buyers today are getting that big first impression of a property long before they physically see it,” says O’Connor.
Choose a price buyers can live with: “Price your home in a way that allows buyers to accommodate making personal choices,” says Poulos. “Some buyers really want to put their own stamp on their new home.”
Don’t think of this strategy as “giving up.” After all, the faster your home sells, the more money you’ll save in the end.
Ready to make a Move?
Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.
Looking for your forever home, investment property or home away from home?Look no further this home is what you’ve been looking for. Pride of ownershipshows through as you enter the home into small tiled entrance hall whichopens up into a formal living and dining room area. Through the archway inthe dining room is the spacious kitchen with stainless appliances and granitecounter tops offering a modern yet practical kitchen with breakfast bar.Adjoining the kitchen is the breakfast room and family room which overlooksthe pool area through sliding glass doors. The master bedroom is off the familyroom and also overlooks the pool area. On the opposite side of the familyroom is a corridor leading to two guest bedrooms with twins beds. The familybathroom sits between these two guest rooms providing easy access both dayand night. This home has a second master bedroom with smaller ensuitebathroom situated at the end of the corridor. This home benefits from anew roof in 2018, new pool heater in 2020, newly installed carpets and granitecounter tops. Garage used as a games room but can convert back to garage.Located in the popular gated community of Westridge. This community offersclubhouse and amenities for the owner and their guests as well as being a shortride to Disney, grocery stores, restaurants, I4, Hwy 192 etc. Don’t delay! Sold fully furnished, calltoday or you will miss the chance of owning this beautiful home.
Florida’s sunny beaches and pleasant winters have long drawn retirees who spent their working years in colder climes. The low housing prices in many Florida cities make the Sunshine State an affordable place to relocate. There’s also no state income tax in Florida, which can benefit retirees with taxable income. Some snowbird retirees spend winters here and then escape the humid summers by heading north during the hottest months. The reasonable cost of living and proximity to the beach makes Florida a desirable place to retire, according to a U.S. News analysis of the 125 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. The study includes data about housing affordability, happiness, desirability, retiree taxes, the job market and access to quality health care.
Fort Myers residents report a sense of well-being that is among the highest in the U.S., according to a Gallup survey, with locals reporting they have supportive relationships and a manageable economic life. The median home price of $200,200 allows many retirees to comfortably afford a home, which frees up retirement income for other essential expenses. Fort Myers is located along Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Caloosahatchee River. Seniors in Fort Myers can create a relaxing beach retirement lifestyle, even on a modest budget.
Retirees are often drawn to Sarasota‘s white sand beaches, including Lido Key and Siesta Key. But it’s the high quality of life that keeps people in the area. Sarasota residents report liking where they live and feeling safe in their community, according to a Gallup survey. The reasonable housing costs allow retirees on a budget to live near the water. The median home value among people age 60 and older is $204,000.
Nearly a third of the population is age 60 or older in this popular retirement spot. Port St. Lucie is located along the Atlantic Ocean in southern Florida. The median home price of $167,200 makes Port St. Lucie an affordable place to retire near the water. If you ever tire of the beach, you can check out the wetlands at Savannas Preserve State Park or the native plants at the St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. Sports fans will enjoy the New York Mets spring training at First Data Field.
Florida’s most populous city is one of the fastest-growing places in the U.S. The city added 12,153 people between July 2017 and July 2018, according to Census Bureau data.Jacksonville has miles of white sand beaches along the Atlantic coast, and the St. Johns River and Jacksonville Beach Pier provide opportunities for fishing. The area is also a popular retirement destination for golfers, and some of the most scenic courses overlook the ocean and river. Jacksonville has several high-performing hospitals, according to the U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, including Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville. The median home price of $172,500 makes it affordable to relocate to this northern Florida city.
Miami is a tropical beach retirement spot that has all the amenities of a major metro area. The city attracted 8,884 new residents between July 2017 and July 2018, according to Census Bureau data. Retirees have access to multiple health care options, includingCleveland Clinic Florida. Miami-Dade residents who are age 65 and older can ride public transit for free, which allows retirees to get around without a car. However, housing prices are higher in Miami than in other parts of Florida and cost retirees a median of $220,700.
This city is aptly named for the area’s 38 scenic lakes, some of which are inhabited by swans. The humid summers are tempered by mild and sunny winters. Located between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is a quieter and more affordable alternative to Florida’s larger cities. The median home price among people age 60 and older is $108,700. Lakeland is also a college town and home to Florida Polytechnic University and Florida Southern College, the latter of which has the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.
Located on the Tampa Bay near the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is a city of skyscrapers and high rises. Tampa has a variety of entertainment options including a zoo, an aquarium, theme parks, several professional sports teams and a popular port for cruise ships. There are several health care providers, including Tampa General Hospital. The median home price of $145,300 makes Tampa affordable to seniors who want to retire near the beach on a budget while still enjoying the amenities of a metro area
This part of Florida is often referred to as the Space Coast due to the nearby Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Locals can watch rockets as they launch into space. Many streets, schools and other places are named after the space program. Melbourne has an affordable cost of living, and the median home price is just $157,900. When you’re done pondering the cosmos, earthly pleasures include relaxing on an Atlantic Ocean beach or spotting dolphins and sea turtles at the Indian River Lagoon.
Orlando is a popular vacation destination, due to the area’s theme parks, convention centers and resorts. The city is also a college town, and the massive University of Central Florida has more than 68,000 students. The mild winter temperatures, prolific entertainment options and low cost of living are attractive to retirees. The median home price is $166,400 among people age 60 and older. Your grandchildren will beg to visit you if you live near Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida.
Located at the northwestern tip of Florida, Pensacola is an ideal location for an affordable beach retirement. Pensacola is located along the Pensacola Bay and near the Gulf of Mexico. Popular beaches include Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The median home price is $142,700 among people age 60 and older. Florida doesn’t have a state income tax, which means those who plan to work in retirement get to keep more of their earnings.
Ready to make a Move?
Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.
Home sellers often hear that if they ever hope to find a buyer, they must whip their house into perfect shape—fix this, paint that, overhaul your horribly outdated kitchen. But just looking at the list of renovations is exhausting!
