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10 Home Improvement Tips

April 18, 2018 by dreamlifehome Leave a Comment

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Sharing from the AmeriSpecSWFL Team:

Congratulations homeowner! You’ve found a home, signed the papers and are either getting ready to move in or have already started to enjoy your new home. But what about home improvements? Here are some easy tips to help you stay on top of those new tasks.

Top 10 Home Improvement Tips every homeowners need to know:

     10. Make Improvements That Add Value

When you’re starting out, you’ll want to focus on projects that add equity to your home. Unless you have an unlimited budget for home improvements, consider whether your next project has a good return on your investment.

      9. Start With Quick, Timely Projects

As weather shifts with the seasons, you’ll need to focus on projects that will prepare your home for that upcoming season. Take an hour or two every week, even if it’s only ten minutes a day, to see to the most pressing tasks for your home.

  1. To DIY or Not to DIY

Even weekend DIYers (do it yourself) need to know their limits. Start with smaller projects that build on your existing skills and don’t be afraid to call in the professionals instead of getting in over your head.

  1. Improve Your Home Improvement Skills

Many tasks are easy to learn and provide you options to add to your existing skills. Volunteer at construction organizations, watch a YouTube video or pick up a book to expand your knowledge.

  1. Browse for Project Inspiration

In your spare time, browse the internet for inspiration for your new home. Pinterest, Houzz, Wayfair and many other sites not only give you inspiration, but also allows you to organize your ideas in the process.

  1. Create a Tool Kit

Don’t think that you need to buy a huge number of tools. Start with the basics, then add to your kit as you undertake other projects. If a tool is too expensive to justify the expense, see about renting it.

  1. Money Matters

Learn whether you can use utility rebates, tax credits or other benefits for particular projects. If you can’t pay cash, look for long-term interest-free financing offers or find a loan that doesn’t put your home at risk.

  1. Hiring A Good Contractor

Much like hiring other professionals, you’ll want to hire a contractor based on good reviews, checking references and looking at their previous work. Take time to check out your contractor before you hire.

  1. Save Money On Projects

Reuse stores, surplus stores and online ads allow you to save cash on DIY projects. Take the time to explore the steps of your project, figuring out where to invest and where you can make do with what’s available.

  1. Create A Plan

If you start projects without a plan, it can really cost you in the long run. Plan the entire project and create a budget. Nothing makes a project more expensive than having to change it in the middle.

Homeownership creates great opportunities to learn and grow your home, your equity and your skills, but it will take some work. By following these easy tips, you can become a home improvement pro in no time!

Filed Under: buying, declutter, florida real estate, home, improvement, repair, sw florida

Daylight Savings Time March 11th

March 6, 2018 by dreamlifehome Leave a Comment

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Spring is almost here! It’s time to set those clocks ahead this weekend. This is also a good time to check batteries in all smoke detectors; change filters; and start putting away the winter stuff!

Michele

Filed Under: florida real estate, home, real estate, sw florida, time

Naples Florida Market Increase

December 18, 2017 by dreamlifehome Leave a Comment

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November Housing Market Returns to Normal

Naples, Fla. (December 15, 2017) – Home sales in the Naples area increased 3 percent in November year over year, according to the November 2017 Market Report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island). The report also showed heightened activity in the single-family home market in November where sales of properties priced above $300,000 increased by double digits. Local brokers analyzing the Market Report said they were pleased with the high-end market’s closed sales activity in November, which experienced a 21 percent increase in single-family home sales and a 22 percent increase in condominium sales in the $2 million and above price category.

“November was a good month for both buyers and sellers,” said Lauren U. Melo, PA, a Licensed Real Estate Broker with Florida’s Realty Specialists. “Sellers are pricing homes to sell and there were 521 homes sold in the month of November despite the effects of Hurricane Irma. This is only 51 fewer homes than sold in November 2016.”

These observations were also recognized by the Vice President and General Manager for Downing-Frye Realty, Inc., Mike Hughes, who said, “Buyers and sellers have good reason to be confident as there are many positives on both sides of the fence. Sellers should get their properties on the market now and buyers should move quickly as multiple offers could occur as a result of the tight inventory.”

The November Market Report showed the overall median closed price rose 9 percent to $330,000 compared to $303,000 in November 2016, and overall pending sales in November increased 2 percent to 728 compared to 713 last year. More impressively, pending sales for homes valued at $1 to $2 million increased by 30 percent in November to 61 from 47 last November.

“There were 116 cash transactions for properties below $300,000 in November,” said Melo. “This was higher than expected and may indicate the return of investors to the market.”

The report also showed that a 12 percent decrease in single-family inventory during November led to a subsequent 9 percent increase in the market value of single-family homes. The Naples Beach area saw a 28 percent increase in its median closed price to $975,000 from $762,000 in November 2016.

“The luxury market has gone wild,” said Phil Wood, President & CEO of John R. Wood Properties. “November had a 63 percent increase in pending sales for single-family homes over $1 million. This is a clear indication that high-end buyers continue to find Naples a desirable location for investment.”

The NABOR® November 2017 Market Report provides comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the Southwest Florida MLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. The NABOR® November 2017 sales statistics are presented in chart format, including these overall (single-family and condominium) findings: 

CATEGORIES

Nov 2016

Nov 2017

CHANGE

Total homes under contract (pending sales) (month/month)

713

728

2%

Total closed sales (month/month)

572

521

-9%

Median closed price (month/month)

$303,000

$330,000

9%

Median closed price >$300K ((month/month)

$519,000

$482,000

-7%

Total active listings (inventory)

5,733

5,322

-7%

Average days on market 

88

101

15%

Single-family closed sales (month/month)

268

271

1%

Single-family median closed price (month/month)

$397,000

$433,000

9%

Single-family inventory

2,971

2,606

-12%

Condominium closed sales (month/month)

304

250

-18%

Condominium median closed price (month/month)

$251,000

$250,000

0%

Condominium inventory

2,762

2,716

-2%

As pointed out by Cindy Carroll, SRA, with the real estate appraisal and consultancy firm Carroll & Carroll, Inc., the November report showed a high concentration of condominiums available in the $300,000 and below price category (1,228). “Even though they appear to be a more affordable option, condominiums often have obstacles during the buying process like 55 and older age restrictions or high annual fees.”

Despite these challenges and a 2 percent decrease in inventory in November, condominiums in both the $300,000 and below and the $2 million and above price categories saw inventory rise by 4 percent.

Geographically, sales activity for single-family homes in the North Naples market is heating up as evidenced in the 21 percent increase in pending sales during November. Also hot are condominiums in the Naples Beach area, which saw an 11 percent increase in pending sales during November.

According to Dominic Pallini, Broker at Vanderbilt Realty, “The tax reform proposals coming out of Washington, D.C., appear to present negative tax consequences for many people living in states with high state income tax burdens. This may make relocation to Florida even more attractive in 2018, especially to the wealthy since Florida does not impose an individual income tax.”

Before you sell your home, seek guidance from a Naples REALTOR® who knows the local market and can help you price your property correctly. A REALTOR® can also locate properties that match buyer needs and negotiate a purchase price that reflects the current market.

Contact me today to discover more of the Naples area (239) 390-4027.

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) is an established organization (Chartered in 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples Community. NABOR® is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 6,000 plus members. NABOR® is a member of the Florida Realtors and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local board of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR® is structured to provide programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR® Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

 

Filed Under: beach, buying, florida real estate, home, naples, new construction, real estate, selling, sw florida

10 Tips to Protect Your New Home

October 30, 2017 by dreamlifehome Leave a Comment

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Are you protecting your new home? There are many things that can destroy your home or your thoughts of being safe in your own home. Here are 10 things for you to consider when protecting your new purchase:

Fire Protection:

1. Install smoke/carbon monoxide alarms on every level. Test monthly and replace batteries on Jan. 1 of each year.

2. Buy an ABC multipurpose fire extinguisher for the kitchen, where half of all fires occur. Check pressure annually.

3. Plug major appliances into wall outlets, not extension cords, which can overheat.

4. Create escape plans for all rooms and place escape ladders in upstairs bedrooms.

Burglary Protection

5. Change locks on exterior doors and confirm that all doors and windows lock securely.

6. Consider adding a home alarm system with motion detectors.

Flood/Storm Protection

7. Place wireless water alarms under washing machine and sinks. Install flood-safe hoses on washing machines.

8. If you evacuate when a dangerous storm hits, turn off utilities to deter flooding and fires. Also make sure to turn off water valve when traveling to avoid floods.

9. Install downspout extensions to carry heavy rains away from the foundation.

10. Trim trees and shrubs so weakened branches won’t fall on home or be propelled into windows by high winds.

You have invested a large sum of your hard-earned money in purchasing your home. Make sure to inpect inside and outside of your home monthly for signs of any damage. Repair damage when you find it to avoid costly repairs later. For more information on home protection ideas, contact me today. Ready to purchase? I’m here for you.

Filed Under: bonita springs, burglary, declutter, fire protection, flood protection, florida real estate, home, hurricane, naples, new construction, real estate, repair, storm protection, sw florida, weather

Tips to Speed a House Sale

October 10, 2017 by dreamlifehome Leave a Comment

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There are many ways to improve the look and feel of your home to speed up the sale. Is it worth the cost to hire a professional to stage the home you want to sell? The results from a study done by the Real Estate Staging Association says yes. Here are just a few of the suggestions:

1. Evaluate. Have an interior decorator familiar with Real Estate or professional organizer walk through your home to evaluate what needs to be updated, repaired or removed.

2. Repair. Patch damaged walls; Replace cracked floor tiles; Oil squeaky doors; Fix leaky faucets; Replace broken windows and screens.

3. Brighten. Take down heavy window treatments that block light; Wash all windows; Increase the wattage of light bulbs.

4. Paint. Neutral colors are best.

5. Update. Replace cabinet knobs and pulls; Update lighting fixtures; Update blinds.

6. Organize. Pantry; Closets; Basement; Garage and shed.

7. Clean. Inside and out – including patio furniture.

8. Reduce clutter. Reduce the amount of furniture in each room.

9. Prune and Landscape. Remove dead plants; Prune or replace overgrown shrubs; Add fresh mulch to beds.

10. Stage outside. Make sure front porch/entryway is clean and inviting; Use outdoor furniture to create inviting spaces.

For more information on getting your home ready for sale, contact me today.

Filed Under: brighten, declutter, florida real estate, home, naples, paint, real estate, repair, selling, stage, staging, sw florida

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