Davidson Realty, Inc.

Top 3 mistakes sellers make (and how to avoid them)

March 3, 2020

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Posted by in Agent Feature, News, Northeast Florida Market Trends, Top Agents

There is so much advice floating around about avoiding mistakes as a buyer that it’s easy to overlook the pitfalls and potential blunders of selling. There are a few that stand out to me as some of the most common mistakes that sellers fall into. Here they are, as well as ways you can avoid them.

 

Avoiding repairs and instead offering credit to buyers.

If your home needs repairs, upgrades or just some TLC before anyone will take notice, it can be easy to say, “Gosh, I’d rather just take less money, and they can worry about it after the house is theirs.” This can be a big mistake! The simple fact is that while you may not have the time to deal with it, neither do your buyers. “Time is money” may sound cliché but it certainly applies to everyone.

 

The effect is that potential buyers will likely bring extremely low offers. Instead, I often recommend to sellers to invest in the repairs and get the work done before you list your home to sell. Not only will your home sell more quickly, you are much more likely to benefit financially from the sale. There is nothing buyers love more than a turn-key home!

 

Ignoring initial offers.

It can be tempting to overlook the first offers that come in, but not taking these seriously can be another colossal misstep. While the first offer might not blow your socks off, potential first offers are often very motivated. Perhaps they are in a rush. Maybe they fell in love with your kitchen. It could be your home is near their aging parent’s home. You never know!

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Moving to Florida? What you need to know about CDD fees

February 19, 2020

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Posted by in Neighborhoods, News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

Many people to who move to the Sunshine State are taken aback when they are introduced to CDD (Community Development District) Fees. What are they and how are they different than HOA fees?

 

First, it’s helpful to know why CDDs exist. These fees were created and are used primarily in Florida to shift the burden of planning, building and maintaining roads, utility lines, water/sewer systems, conservation areas, and other conveniences in new communities away from local governments.

 

The many costs of installing infrastructure are financed by the community’s developer through tax-free municipal bonds that are issued when the community is built. These bonds also pay for amenities like clubhouses, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, yoga lawns, dog parks, you name it!

 

Then the cost of the bond is passed onto homeowners who purchase a home in one of these communities. They pay the costs over a span of time—generally 15 to 30 years—through property taxes each year. If you have a mortgage, it’s amortized into your payment.

 

I know what you might be thinking: “But wait, that sounds a little like an HOA!” Believe it or not, there are differences between CDD fees and HOA fees.

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Considerations when buying a home with a pool

January 22, 2020

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Posted by in Agent Feature, News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

Thanks to the great climate here in Northeast Florida, the chances of seeing homes for sale with a pool are very good.

 

In addition to boosting the resale value of a home, owning a pool can offer lots of additional advantages. But owning a pool is not to be taken lightly. If you have ever owned a home with a pool, you already know the upsides and downsides. If not, consider these points before diving into swimming pool ownership.

 

Owning a pool is proven to benefit your health. Having a pool can offer big advantages for your physical and mental health. Swimming has proven itself to be perhaps the best form of exercise. It is low-impact with big cardiovascular benefits. And you don’t need to be a lap swimmer to reap the benefits of your pool! Light water aerobics or just wading around your pool can help you build mobility and endurance without the harsh impact on your joints. This is especially helpful in the hot summer months when you can stay cool in the water. In addition to offering a private place for exercise, your pool is a place for de-stressing and emotional relaxation.

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400 Families in 2019: Rich Regan

December 19, 2019

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Posted by in News

Getting a home ready to sell goes far beyond putting up a For Sale sign and snapping a few photos. Often, an agent has to put in a little elbow grease as well. Few know this better than Davidson Realty agent Suzy Evans.

 

When seller Rich Regan contacted Suzy at the recommendation of friends, she was ready with an arsenal of expert insights and time-tested resources to help him sell.

 

He knew right away he was in good hands. “Suzy sold me with her knowledge of condos in my area,” said Rich, who was looking to sell his condominium in the Avila community of Palencia.

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Prepare your home to sell with these fast, low-cost kitchen refresh ideas

December 10, 2019

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Posted by in Agent Feature, News, Northeast Florida Market Trends

It is no surprise the kitchen is most often cited as the room that really sells your home. It’s the most functional space in the house and where we spend a lot of time as a family.

 

Also, kitchen trends and styles go in and out just as fast (often faster) than any other room in the home. So when you plan to list your home for sale, this is where you will want to dedicate your attention.

 

You don’t want buyers to walk into your kitchen and wince at how much work it needs!

 

That being said, renovating the kitchen is an expensive and time consuming task. Thanks to the internet, there is a nearly endless array of quick and inexpensive ideas for giving your kitchen a great facelift.

 

1.) Reface your cabinets. The thought of gutting and replacing cabinets is daunting to say the least but refacing them makes them look like new without making any major changes. You can either replace your cabinet doors, paint them, or remove them altogether for exposed shelving.

 

2.) Add a backsplash. Depending on the décor you are working with now, a simple tile or shiplap backsplash can make all the difference for a home buyer seeking a stylish kitchen. If intimidating visions of mortar and tile grout are dancing in your head, not to worry! There are plenty of beautiful designs that are really easy to install (check out these alternatives at the Home Depot).

 

3.) Install knobs or pulls. Add or upgrade pulls to your drawers and cabinets and your kitchen will instantly look polished and amazing.

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