The Home Selling Mindset

/in /by

(The Home Selling Mindset)

You may think the most challenging aspects of selling a home is the de-cluttering and the de-personalizing of the property to make it attractive to the broadest base of buyers. For some that’s the case, but I’ve found that disconnecting is the hardest part.

Not true for every seller of a house, but when you still look at it as your home it makes seeing the property as a commodity in a marketplace challenging. From the door jamb that chronicles the dates and heights of your children, to the fireplace that was the backdrop for family photos, the place you loved and decorated as your own may be a hard habit to break.

When selling your home, two things to remember:

“It’s business, nothing personal.” ~ Mario Puzo
“Numbers don’t lie.” ~ A local Florida mortgage lender

What does it all add up to? Reality sells houses.

I don’t mean we should list your home super low and take the first offer that comes along because it is better than the one you got the day before! But sellers should prepare themselves emotionally to look at their home as a property with a discernible value at a given point in time.

1. Some sellers put a property they never inhabited on the market. While it can be listed “As Is” in this case it may be worthwhile to hire a home inspector to do a pre-listing inspection to discover issues lurking. Although you wouldn’t otherwise have had knowledge – the buyer’s inspector will surely report on the unattended water heater and the dry rot and the terminate infestation. You could lose an impatient buyer by not taking a little time and money to strike pre-emptively.

2. If it is your home and you are at all handy (or have a relative who owes you a favor!) do a walkthrough as though you were buying the house. Look beyond your favorite things for those little issues that add up: dripping faucets, missing caulking, old water stains from a previous leak, a color palette from a bygone era, etc. A neglected home will give an impression that larger issues loom. In sales, perception is reality. A little sweat equity will help shine favorable light on the property.

3. If you are moving out of your very first home, or one in which you have made years of memories, you may feel the stomp of strangers passing judgment is disconcerting at the very least. Do yourself a favor:

Don’t be home when people come for showings.

Don’t be insulted by an offer; it’s a starting point for a negotiation.

4. Are you going to look at your next home and offer a full price offer on first look? Probably not. Think like a buyer to keep your emotions in check. I employ professionals like home stagers because they know what buyers want to see.

When you get in the mindset of professional detachment and the understanding of the importance of highlighting what the market considers the property’s best features – only then are you positioning your home for sale.

Your First Mortgage

/in /by

What they are doing is offering an exclusive loan opportunity for young professionals; specifically for dentists, attorneys, doctors, architects, CPAs, engineers, and PhD level professors who are in their career for five years or less since their graduation.

Read more

Waterfront Elegance in Bailey’s Bluff Estates

/in /by

Front Exterior2-3For the absolute finest in Floridian elegance, this 3 bedroom, 3 full bath home w/ oversized 2 car garage is as spectacular as the natural beauty that surrounds it.

With a driveway and walk adorned in brick pavers and verdant foliage, the sun-dappled front yard is exquisitely contrasted by sparkling water views, saltwater pool, and the private boat ramp; all enjoyed from shady verandas.

Besides the foyer’s soaring ceiling, timeless architectural details grace the interior: Cherry wood floors, 5 ¼” baseboards, classic plantation shutters, & crown molding.

In addition to the stunning formal dining area flanked by windows, the Great Room’s striking trey ceilings are enhanced by the gas fireplace framed in custom built-ins, with panoramic waterfront vistas.

The kitchen is perfection. Flooded with light, it features Decora cabinets w/soft close drawers, a gas cooktop, breakfast bar, & lustrous granite countertops encircling a center island. Its hosting companion is an adjacent wet bar.

Nestled on the main floor is the glorious master suite. Accented with a trey ceiling & windows galore, the retreat is made complete by the master bath’s glass-block shower room and storage solutions made gorgeous.

The impressive office presents as a private boardroom; complete with French doors and the impeccable millwork of its coffered ceiling.

While you’ll never wish to leave your corner of paradise, this home is 10 minutes from Anclote Key & the Gulf of Mexico, Key Vista Nature Park, Gulf Anclote Park and Anclote River Park.

Stunning Fox Hollow Pool Home in Trinity!

/in /by

Front Exterior2-3

Situated on a quiet street and shaded by an arched portico, the entry to this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2.5 car garage home is dressed in stylish pavers and classic pendant lighting.

Glass-paneled double doors reveal the stunning front foyer that introduces the formal living and dining rooms; both topped with crown molding. The dining room’s double trey ceiling and picture window add just the right touch of drama.

For the ultimate in relaxation, the family room’s granite-faced gas fireplace and home entertainment alcove look out onto a full wall of sliders to reveal the sparkling pool/heated spa and velvet green lawn.

From the lush carpeting of the family room, you cross to the cool tile of the sunny breakfast nook lit by its own set of sliders.

The adjacent kitchen is outfitted with cabinets galore; the built-ins also include a handy desk and decorative niches. Recessed lighting shines down on the center island with granite top while stainless steel appliances gleam throughout. An enclosed laundry room is also a welcome addition.

The master bath is a retreat w/ vaulted ceilings, dual sinks, built-in vanity, oval soaking tub, & glass-walled shower chamber. Double trey ceilings & sliders to the pool highlight the suite’s lovely bedroom.

Additional pluses include: a security system & natural gas for central heating, hot water, dryer, fireplace and spa. Fox Wood offers a community park dotted w/ shade trees & a playground complete w/ soccer fields, basketball & hockey courts & a covered picnic area.

Southern Oaks Home with Conservation Views!

/in /by

Front Exterior2A lovely portico, lush grass and trimmed shrubbery grace the exterior of this charming 3 bedroom/2 bath/2 car garage home in Southern Oaks.

Wooded conservation views frame the backyard’s uniquely landscaped grounds. An eclectic mix of rock gardens & planters complement a charming trellis offset by the patio’s pavers and wrought iron accent fencing.

Inside, the expansive living room is highlighted by the screened lanai’s triple sliders and views of the verdant outdoors; a decorative trio of windows adds architectural interest.

Tiled floors shine beneath cathedral ceilings; the formal dining room is adjacent to the welcoming foyer and its striking double entry doors.

The impeccable kitchen brings all the home’s elements together. Illuminated by recessed lighting, it features: decorative shelving, Corian-type counters, a beautifully tiled backsplash and an oversized breakfast nook. Elegant pendant lights adorn the convenient breakfast bar.

In the master suite, private sliders provide entrée to the lanai and showcase the conservation views. The master bath boasts hand-crafted cabinetry, high-end fixtures, shining vessel sinks installed in granite countertops, a glass fitted shower stall and a striking picture window above the luxurious, jetted tub/spa.

The second bath is remodeled in the same clean, contemporary European flavor including wood cabinetry, solid surface countertops and white tile, while the third bedroom’s laminate flooring gives it the flexibility to serve as a playroom or fitness/crafts space.