Add Value To Your Home With These 9 DIY Improvements
Whether you’re prepping your house to go on the market or looking for ways to maximize its long-term appreciation, these nine home improvement projects are great ways to add function, beauty, and real value to your home.
The best part is, once you’ve secured the materials, most of these renovations can be completed over the course of a weekend. And they don’t require a lot of specialized skills or experience. So grab your toolbox, then get ready to boost your home’s appeal AND investment potential!
- Spruce Up Your Landscaping
Landscaping improvements can increase a home’s value by 10-12%.1 But which outdoor features do buyers care about most? According to a survey of Realtors, a healthy lawn is at the top of their list. If your lawn is lacking, overseeding or laying new sod can be a worthwhile investment—with an expected return of 417% and 143% respectively.1
Planting flowers is another great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. And if you choose a perennial variety, your blooms should return year after year. For an even longer-term impact, consider planting a tree. According to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, a mature tree can add up to $10,000 to the value of your home.2
- Clean The Exterior
When it comes to making your house shine, a sparkling facade can be just as important as a clean interior. Real estate professionals estimate that washing the outside of a house can add as much as $15,000 to its sales price.3
A rented pressure washer from your local home improvement store can help you remove built-up dirt and grime from your home’s exterior, walkway, and driveway. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully—and only use it on surfaces that can withstand the intensity. When in doubt, a scrub brush and bucket of sudsy water will often do the trick.
- Add A Fresh Coat Of Paint
New paint can have a big impact on both the appearance and value of a property. In fact, it’s one of the most effective ways to revitalize a home’s exterior, update its interior, and make it appear larger and brighter. The best part? Painting is relatively easy and inexpensive!
To get the maximum return at resale, stick with a modern but neutral color palette that will appeal to a broad range of buyers. According to a recent survey of home design experts, cool neutrals are a safe bet when it comes to interior paint. And respondents chose white and gray as the best exterior paint colors to use when selling a home.4 However, it’s important to consider a property’s architecture, existing fixtures, and regional design preferences, as well.
- Install Smart Home Technology
In a recent survey, 78% of real estate professionals said their buyer clients were willing to pay more for a home with smart technology features.5 The most requested smart devices? Thermostats (77%), smoke detectors (75%), home security cameras (66%), and locks (63%).6
The good news is, many of these gadgets are fairly easy to install. And some of them, including smart thermostats and light bulbs, will pay for themselves over time by making your home more energy efficient. In fact, many manufacturers report that smart thermostats can cut back on heating and cooling costs by 10-20%.7
If you already own a smart speaker, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, choose devices that will pair with your existing technology. This will enable you to create a truly integrated (and in many cases voice-activated) smart home experience.
- Modernize Your Window Treatments
Smart—or motorized—blinds are also growing in popularity, and several manufacturers make models you can order and install on your own. But they’re not the only way to modernize your window treatments.
If you have old aluminum blinds, consider replacing them with plantation shutters, which are energy efficient, durable, and have strong buyer appeal.8 Roman and roller shades are another stylish alternative, and they come in a variety of colors and fabrics, which you can personalize to meet your design and privacy preferences.
Fortunately, upgrading your blinds has gotten easier and less expensive in recent years. There are a number of retailers that specialize in affordable window coverings that are simple to measure and hang yourself.
- Replace Outdated Fixtures
Drastically transform the look and feel of your home by swapping out dingy and dated fixtures for contemporary alternatives. Start by assessing your current light fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware, door knobs, and even switch plates. Then prioritize replacing those that are particularly outdated or in highly-visible areas, such as your entryway or kitchen.
Even if your home is fairly new, consider trading your builder-grade fixtures for higher-end options to give it a more upscale appearance. And forget the old rule about sticking to one metal tone throughout your property. According to designers, mixing metal finishes can add interest and character to a space.9
For more designer insights and decor trends, contact us for a free copy of our recent report: “Top 5 Home Design Trends for a New Decade.”
- Upgrade Your Bathroom Mirror
A minor bathroom remodel offers one of the best returns on investment, with a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1 you spend.10 We’ve already explored several improvements you can make to your bathroom: new paint, fixtures, and hardware. Now complete the look by upgrading your vanity’s mirror.
Before you purchase a new mirror, examine your existing one to see how it is attached to the wall. Some vanity mirrors are glued to the wall and difficult to remove without shattering the glass or damaging the sheetrock behind it.11
If you prefer to keep your existing mirror, you can paint the frame—or add one if it’s currently frameless. There are several online retailers that will send you the frame components cut to your specifications, which you can assemble and mount yourself. Much like a work of art, your vanity mirror serves as a focal point for your bathroom, so let your creativity shine through!
- Shampoo Your Carpet
Carpet is notorious for trapping dust, dirt, and allergens. It’s one of the reasons that most buyers prefer hard surface flooring.12 But if you love your carpet, or you’re not ready to invest in an alternative, make an effort to keep it clean and odor-free.
To properly maintain your carpet, you should vacuum it weekly. Experts also recommend a deep shampoo at least every two years.13 Fortunately, this is a cheap and easy DIY project you can knock out in about 20 minutes per room. According to Consumer Reports, you can rent a machine and purchase cleaning fluid and supplies for around $90. With an average return on your investment of 169%, it’s well worth the effort and expense.14
- Customize Your Closet
Real estate professionals estimate that a closet remodel can add $2500 to a home’s selling price. And while a professional renovation can cost upwards of $6000, there are many high-quality DIY closet systems you can customize and install yourself.15
Experts recommend taking a thorough inventory of your wardrobe and accessories before you get started. Make sure frequently-worn pieces are easy to reach, and store seasonal and seldom-used items on high shelves. Place shoe racks near the closet entrance so they are easy to access.16 A little planning can go a long way toward building a closet that you (and your future buyers!) will love.
| GET A COMPLIMENTARY ANALYSIS OF YOUR PROJECT
We’ve been talking averages. But the truth is, the actual impact of a home improvement project will vary depending on your particular home and neighborhood. Before you get started, contact us to schedule a free virtual consultation. We can help you determine which upgrades will offer the greatest return on your effort and investment. |
Sources:
- HomeLight –
https://www.homelight.com/blog/improve-curb-appeal-landscaping/ - National Association of Realtors –
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/landscape-renovations-that-pay-off/ - com – https://www.houselogic.com/save-money-add-value/add-value-to-your-home/adding-curb-appeal-value-to-home/
- Fixr –
https://www.fixr.com/blog/2020/01/14/paint-color-trends-in-2020/ - T3 Sixty –
https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CES2018-Smart-Homes-An-Emerging-Real-Estate-Opportunity.pdf - Consumer Reports –
https://www.consumerreports.org/smart-home/smart-home-tech-upgrades-to-help-sell-your-house/ - American Council for Energy Efficient Economy
https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/publications/researchreports/a1801.pdf - Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/sites/trulia/2016/07/05/10-upgrades-under-1000-that-increase-home-values-2/#47b0d3162e60
- Insider –
https://www.insider.com/home-design-rules-you-should-be-breaking-2020-1 - Zillow –
https://www.zillow.com/sellers-guide/roi-for-bathroom-remodel/ - Lowes –
https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/remove-a-bathroom-mirror - HomeLight –
https://www.homelight.com/blog/what-flooring-increases-home-value/ - Angie’s List –
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-often-should-i-clean-my-carpets.htm - HomeLight –
https://www.homelight.com/blog/projects-that-increase-home-value/ - National Association of Realtors – https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/remodeling-impact
- EasyClosets –
https://www.easyclosets.com/tips-ideas/2016/10/02/how-to-plan-your-walk-in-closet/
Five tips to follow to get your lowball offer accepted
It’s like clockwork – something bad happens that could potentially affect the real estate market, and buyers think it’s their time to start snagging up homes for dimes on the dollar. Investors buyers make a good living buying up real estate for wholesale prices and they consistently make up a small segment of purchasers. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that YOU, a traditional retail buyer, have what it takes to dabble in the play-space with the investors just because you think you’re in the driver’s seat.
Mind you, this post came about because colleagues were having a discussion about the topic recently as the buyers have all gotten it into their heads that this is the time that the market has fallen apart and real estate is obviously 50% off this summer. What do we need to tell our buyers that they may not be in a position to make such bargains, but if the situation were to present itself, what would they, or YOU, need to do to be ready for the deal of a lifetime.
There is a level of preparation, and knowledge, that is required to successfully negotiate a deal that is a significantly great deal. You will need to already know everything that there is to learn about that particular house. Not just houses in general. Houses in that neighborhood and of the same age. For your particular house you’ll need to know its history, potential problems that will come up, and things that the house will need.
This will not be the normal way you will go out and buy a home on the retail market. How do you know if you are shopping retail and not wholesale? Are you concerned about the results of a home inspection, and maybe you even want the seller to buy you a warranty? Are you getting an FHA, or a VA loan with a low-down-payment? Did you bring your parents, or other family members to come “take a look” at the house you’re thinking of buying? These are all indicators that you’re buying retail.
So what do you need to do to convince a seller that you’re a wholesale buyer that can make their problems go away?
Qualify yourself
You’re competing with other investors. Remember your seller could select another wholesale offer at the same price as you’ve offered. You’re going to want to make it clear that you have experience owning homes like this before. You know what service issues there are on houses this age, what those kinds of things cost, hidden time bombs, and the like. You know what you’re doing, and you’re the easiest person to sell to.
At the same time, you’re disqualifying everyone else who may NOT know what they’re doing. People who might come back with inspection issues, ask for credits for repairs, or even cancel the deal. Make your seller comfortable that this sort of thing doesn’t come along when doing a deal with you. The only thing that you’re concerned about is the price.
Volunteer commitment
You will want to say “I will pay this much for this house.” Not “I’ll probably…” or “After it all checks out…” or “Well if we can get through all this and eventually…” No. You want to deliver the message with absolute clarity that if you get the price you’ve settled upon, that you are ready to commit and close.
Eliminate your own outs
Once you’ve put it out there that you’re interested in the house for your price, you should be past the time when you need to “take another look,” “bring over another inspector,” “talk to your wife,” or worse “talk to the partners.” This is not to say that you shouldn’t do your due diligence. However you should have learned all that you need to know long before now. Bring your inspector during your first showing or second. You should already know that in the subdivision you’re looking within has cast iron waste lines from the 1960’s and that they’re all going bad right about now. You should already know that the old looking roof is going to cost $12,000 to replace with shingles or $25,000 with new tile.
Close quickly
There is nothing more satisfying, and exciting, than knowing that you have negotiated the deal of a lifetime. You need to have what is necessary to close the deal quickly. Your line of credit should have been arranged long ago, or the cash should already be in your bank. Remember, at this price, if the seller gets wind of a better offer coming, you could get dropped like a hot potato. Eliminate your competition.
Do not complain
You have eliminated your opportunity to keep asking questions. You can carry on friendly conversation, but make it clear that if the seller accepts your offer, they will not hear back from you, or your lawyers, ever again. Anything bad may, and probably will, but you’ve made it explicitly clear that this is the last that we will ever be interacting again.
If you’ve seen those home-made flyers stapled to light-poles all over your neighborhood that start of with “We buy ugly houses…” or “Cash for homes…” these are the guys you are competing with. With a level of preparedness, it’s possible that you too, can work out a wholesale deal of a lifetime.
8 Simple Tips to Start Your Hurricane Season Prep
The beginning of hurricane season sneaks up on us every year. The season runs from June 1 to November 30. Take a few steps now to avoid being overwhelmed in the coming months
8 Tips for preparing for the season
Make sure everyone in your home knows your plan for when a storm comes. This includes preparing at work, school, daycare or for elderly relatives.
Remember your list of supplies? This year, add your Covid-19 facemasks, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies. Remember your pets and keep a two-week supply of food for them too.
Shop soon! The 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is already underway and runs through June 4.
Know your evacuation zone and route to get there. This is from experience for our family: the State of Florida prefers that you do not actually evacuate out of state. Locate your safe zone where flooding and rising waters won’t reach. Shelter there in order to minimize traffic on major arteries. During Hurricane Irma, it took my family two days to reach Nashville as I95 throughout Florida was unable to handle the rush. In a state of 18-million residents it was estimated that half tried to drive out-of-state.
Scan your home insurance documents, car insurance, and health insurance and upload to a Google Drive or other storage online.
Start working on your home:
- Know how to install your shutters
- Clean your roof and gutters
- Arrange to trim your tall trees of coconuts and branches that need attention
- Be aware of what needs to be moved in a storm and make a handy reminder list
- Know your utility shutoffs
Prepare your tech: chargers, battery powered radios and gas canisters. Over the years we’ve become so dependent on the internet that nearly every device that plays music or television needs an online connection. Locate your battery operated radio.
Help out in the neighborhood. Check with the neighbors and see who needs assistance. Are your senior neighbors looked after? Is there a plan for everyone nearby?
From FEMA here’s their longer preparation list
Giving Back to the community on KW RED DAY along with Pandemic of Love
We are partnering with an incredible community aid organization Pandemic of Love. Simply put, Pandemic of Love is an organized network of trained volunteers who match Recipients in need with Donors who can give. This organization was founded by Shelly Tygielski from Lighthouse Point. Since its inception a few short weeks ago in March, Shelly has received press coverage and celebrity endorsements of her cause. To date Pandemic of Love has matched over 40,000 people in need with willing donors who have given in excess of $5 Million!
Here are our Pandemic of Loves links, one to GIVE help and one to GET help:
Give Help: https://tinyurl.com/GiveHelp-KWPandemicofLove
Get Help: https://tinyurl.com/GetHelp-KWPandemicofLove
LOVE is the virus. LOVE is infectious. LOVE is the CURE. Let’s show the World that sickness isn’t the only thing that can go VIRAL!
#StayHome: How to Create Functional Spaces in Your Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We’re all being called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably challenging, there are ways you can modify your home and your lifestyle to make the best of this difficult situation.
Here are a few tips for creating comfortable and functional spaces within your home for work, school, and fitness. We also share some of our favorite ways to stay connected as a community, because we’re all in this together … and no one should face these trying times alone.
Begin with the Basics
A basic home emergency preparedness kit is a great addition to any home, even under normal circumstances. It should include items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid kit, and other essentials you would need should you temporarily lose access to food, water, or electricity.
Fortunately, authorities don’t anticipate any serious interruptions to utilities or the food supply during this outbreak. However, it may be a good time to start gathering your emergency basics in a designated location, so you’ll be prepared now-—and in the future—should your family ever need them.
| Ready to start building an emergency kit for your home? Contact us for a free copy of our Home Emergency Preparation Checklist! |
Working From Home
Many employees are being asked to work remotely. If you’re transitioning to a home office for the first time, it’s important to create a designated space for work … so it doesn’t creep into your home life, and vice versa. If you live in a small condominium or apartment, this may feel impossible. But try to find a quiet corner where you can set up a desk and comfortable chair. The simple act of separating your home and work spaces can help you focus during work hours and “turn off” at the end of the day.
Of course, if you have children who are home with you all day (given many schools and daycares are now closed), separating your home and work life will be more difficult. Unless you have a partner who can serve as the primary caregiver, you will need to help manage the needs of your children while juggling work and virtual meetings.
If both parents are working from home, try alternating shifts, so you each have a designated time to work and to parent. If that’s not an option, experts recommend creating a schedule for your children, so they know when you’re available to play, and when you need to work.1 A red stop sign on the door can help remind them when you shouldn’t be disturbed. And for young children, blocking off a specific time each day for them to nap or have independent screen time can give you a window to schedule conference calls or work uninterrupted.
Homeschooling Your Children
Many parents with school-aged children will be taking on a new challenge: homeschooling. Similar to a home office, designating a space for learning activities can help your child transition between play and school. If you’re working from home, the homeschooling area would ideally be located near your workspace, so you can offer assistance and answer questions, as needed.
If possible, dedicate a desk or table where your child’s work can be spread out—and left out when they break for meals and snacks. Position supplies and materials nearby so they are independently accessible, and place a trash can and recycling bin within reach for easy cleanup. A washable, plastic tablecloth can help transition an academic space into an arts and crafts area.
If the weather is nice, try studying outside! A porch swing is a perfect spot for reading, and gardening in the backyard is a great addition to any science curriculum.
In addition to creating an academic learning environment, find age-appropriate opportunities for your children to help with household chores and meal preparation. Homeschooling advocates emphasize the importance of developing life skills alongside academic ones.2 And with more meals and activities taking place at home, there will be ample opportunity for every family member to pitch in and help.
Staying Fit
With gyms closed and team sports canceled, it can be tempting to sit on the sofa and binge Netflix. However, maintaining the physical health and mental wellness of you and your family is crucial right now. Implementing a regular exercise routine at home can help with both.
If you live in a community where you can safely exercise outdoo
rs while maintaining the recommended distance between you and other residents, try to get out as much as possible. If the weather is nice, go for family walks, jogs, or bike rides.
Can’t get outside? Fortunately, you don’t need a home gym or fancy exercise equipment to stay fit. Look for a suitable space in your home, garage, or basement where you can comfortably move—you’ll probably need at least a 6’ x 6’ area for each person. Many cardio and strength training exercises require little (or no) equipment, including jumping jacks, lunges, and pushups.
And if you prefer a guided workout, search for free exercise videos on YouTube—there are even options specifically geared towards kids—or try one of the many fitness apps available.
Socializing From a Distance
Even though we’re all being called upon to practice “social distancing” right now, there are still ways to stay safely connected to our communities and our extended families. Picking up the phone is a great place to start. Make an effort to reach out to neighbors and loved ones who live alone and may be feeling particularly isolated right now.
And while parties and playdates may be prohibited, modern technology offers countless ways to organize networked gatherings with family and friends. Try using group video conferencing tools like Google Hangouts and Zoom to facilitate a virtual happy hour or book club. Host a Netflix Party to watch (and chat about) movies with friends. Or plan a virtual game night and challenge your pals to a round of Psych or Yahtzee.
There are safe ways to connect offline, too. Rediscover the lost art of letter writing. Drop off groceries on an elderly neighbor’s porch. Or organize a neighborhood “chalk walk,” where children use sidewalk chalk to decorate their driveways and then head out for a stroll to view their friends’ artwork.
Of course, there’s one group of people who you can still socialize with freely—those who reside in your home. Family dinners are back, siblings are reconnecting, and many of us have been given the gift of time, with commutes, activities, and obligations eliminated. In fact, some families are finding that this crisis has brought them closer than ever.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Even with all of the tools and technology available to keep us connected, many of us are still feeling stressed, scared, and isolated. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone. We’re not only here to help you buy and sell real estate. We want to be a resource to our clients and community through good times and bad. If you and your family are in need of assistance, please reach out and let us know how we can help.
Sources:
Serious About Selling? 5 Steps to Make Your Home the Best on the Block
We all want to be good neighbors. But when it comes to selling your home, it’s not just about “keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s about outshining them at every opportunity!
If you’re looking to sell your home fast and for the most money possible, you’ll need a strategy to set it apart from all the other listings competing for buyers in your area. That’s why we’ve outlined our proven, five-step plan for serious sellers.
Use these five tactics to help your listing get noticed, win over buyers, and net a higher sales price than your neighbors!
STEP 1: Stage Your Home to Show Its Full Potential
The average seller will do the minimum to prepare their home for market: clean and declutter, fix anything that’s broken, mow the lawn. And while those tasks are essential, today’s buyers want more than just a clean house and tidy yard. When they dream of buying a new home, they envision a designer house with modern finishes. Help them see your property’s full potential by staging it.
Home staging is one of the hottest trends in real estate—because it works! According to the Real Estate Staging Association, homes that are professionally staged spend 73% less time on the market.1
So what exactly is staging? In a broad sense, staging is the act of preparing your home for market. The goal is to highlight your home’s strengths, minimize any deficiencies, and help buyers envision themselves living in the space. When staging a home, you might rearrange the furniture to make a room feel larger or remove heavy curtains to make it appear brighter.
Some sellers choose to hire a professional home stager, who has specialized training and experience, to maximize the appeal of their home to the largest number of potential buyers. Others may opt to do it themselves, using guidance from their agent.
We can help you determine the appropriate budget and effort required to push your home ahead of the competition in your neighborhood. The good news is, an investment in staging pays off. A 2018 survey found that 85% of staged homes sold for 6-25% more than their unstaged neighbors homes.2
STEP 2: Draw Buyers in with High-Quality Listing Photos
You only have one chance to make a first impression with potential buyers. And many buyers will view photos of a listing before they decide whether or not to visit it in person. In fact, 87% of buyers find photos “very useful” in their home search.3 Poor-quality or amateur-looking listing photos could keep buyers from ever stepping through your door.
Since good photography plays such an important role in getting your property noticed, we only work with the top local professionals to photograph our listings. But we don’t just rely on their photography skills when it comes to showcasing your home.
We go the extra mile to ensure your listing photos showcase the true essence of your home. We’re always on site during the photo shoot to help the photographer capture the best angles and lighting, and to let them know about unique or compelling selling features that they should photograph. The extra effort pays off in the end. In fact, listings with high-quality photography sell 32% faster than the competition … and often for more money!4
STEP 3: Price It Properly From the Start
Even in a strong real estate market, there are homes that will sit unsold for months on end. This can be the “kiss of death” in real estate, as buyers tend to imagine that there must be something wrong with the property, even if it’s not the case.
But why are those houses still on the market in the first place? It’s because they are often priced too high.
Every buyer has a budget. And most will be viewing listings within a particular price range. If your property is overpriced, it can’t properly compete with the other houses they’re viewing that are priced correctly. Which means it’ll sit on the market until you’re eventually forced to drop the price.
Alternatively, if you price your home aggressively, it can be among the nicest homes that buyers have seen within their budget. This can lead to emotionally-attached buyers, who are often willing to pay a premium or settle for fewer seller concessions. And in certain markets, it can lead to a multiple-offer situation, or bidding war. The end result? More money in your pocket.
We can help you determine the ideal listing price for your home in the current market. Pricing it properly in the beginning is the best way to ensure a fast and profitable sale.
STEP 4: Put on a Good Show at Each Showing
Once buyers are interested enough to schedule a visit, it’s crucial that you put on a good show at each showing.
The first step is to make your home readily available—and often on short notice—for buyers to see it. A missed showing is a missed opportunity to sell your home. If you set too many restrictions on when it’s available to view, busy buyers will simply skip over your listing and move on to the next one.
Part of making your home available means keeping it relatively show-ready as long as it’s on the market. Most of us don’t live picture-perfect lives, and our homes reflect the day-to-day reality of our busy (and sometimes messy) families. But a little extra effort spent keeping your home clean, fresh-smelling, and ready for buyers will help it sell faster … which means you can get back to your regular routine as quickly as possible!
STEP 5: Use a Proven Promotion Plan
Most agents are still marketing their listings like they did 20 years ago … put a sign in the yard, put the listing in the MLS, and pray that it sells. Yet, we know that 93% of buyers search for real estate listings online.3
That’s why we invest in the latest training and technology—to ensure your listing appears in the places where buyers are most likely to look. Our dual-level promotion strategy includes both pre-launch activities designed to seed the marketplace and post-listing activities to ensure your home stays top-of-mind with potential buyers.
By utilizing online and social marketing platforms to connect with consumers and offline channels to connect with local real estate agents, your property gets maximum exposure to prospective buyers.
LET’S GET MOVING
Are you thinking about listing your home? Get a head start on your competition! Contact us for a copy of our Home Seller’s Guide, which offers a complete guide to the home selling process. Or call us to schedule a free no-commitment consultation. We’d love to put together a custom plan to maximize the sales potential of your property!
Sources:
- Real Estate Staging Association – https://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=304550&module_id=164548
- Home Staging Resources –
https://www.homestagingresources.com/2018-home-staging-statistics/ - National Association of Realtors –
https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2018-real-estate-in-a-digital-world-12-12-2018.pdf - RIS Media –
https://rismedia.com/2018/12/12/shocking-stats-importance-photography-real-estate/
How Moving Into a New Home Can Help Heal After Loss
Nothing can prepare you for the emotional havoc that comes after losing someone near and dear to your heart. Soon after the initial shock, our minds race through the stages of grief in strange and unusual patterns. Positive memories of times spent with a loved one can even become painful reminders of the absence that now exists. The pictures that line your hall might even feel like ghosts of your past coming back to haunt you.
Grief can make us latch onto locations in strange ways, and it may be that continuing to dwell where the hurt is can make it seem as if the pain will never go away. Sometimes the best thing we can do after experiencing a traumatic loss is to refresh our lives in a new location. If you are considering moving into a new home, here are some things to think about.
Friends and Family Members Will Likely Understand
Initially, you might feel ashamed for wanting to leave your home. You might even think that it is a sign of shallowness or weakness. However, bear in mind the start of a new chapter always comes after another ends. Communicate with friends and family members about your decision to move. Talking things through can help them understand your situation, help you feel at ease, and help you stay involved with those who care about you during your transition. Buying and selling a home during an already challenging time can feel overwhelming, so keep communication flowing to allow loved ones to assist and support you.
Connect with good help
Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and your own circumstances will shape how the buying and selling process will work for you. Start by consulting with professionals, such as real estate agents, attorneys, and financial advisers. Your decisions could influence personal circumstances you might not even think about, such as your future taxes, so by covering all your bases you set yourself up for success. It’s also important to find an affordable property in the location of your choosing, sell your current home, and ensure you’re able to purchase your new home without hiccups. Those advisers can play a key role, especially your real estate agent.
To help your real estate agent find the perfect place, consider making some notes about your search criteria. Categorize what property features are non-negotiable, what would be flexible, and what items are on your wish-list. To help you get started, The Balance offers an extensive list of home amenities and features.
It’s Good to Have a Timeline
Once you find your new home, consider creating a timeline to help make the transition as smooth as possible. It’s a great way to ensure you stay on track and avoid getting waylaid. Make sure you hire movers or arrange helpers well in advance, since the last thing you want is to have everything packed and no help for moving day. If you do hire movers, be sure to adjust your budget accordingly. Most homeowners in Fort Lauderdale spend between $671 – $1,772 for a local move. While hiring movers gives you one less thing to worry about on moving day, having friends and family help can be a nice way to connect and keep your mind busy. Do what helps you the most during a challenging time.
Packing Is the Hardest Part
Another reason to have a timeline laid out is because there will likely be some emotional hurdles involved with sorting your household items. This is especially true if you need to sort many things that belonged to or remind you of your special someone.
Allow yourself ample time to work through things and consider asking a close friend to help. Having someone there who knew your loved one will give you a chance to sort your emotions while you sort tangible belongings, laughing and crying as those things trigger memories. Shelly Frey explains that while it may be difficult to let go of something that belonged to your loved one, it can be an important part of the healing process. At the same time, allow yourself to keep some special things. You might like to create a memory album or some other tribute to your loved one, and revisit it as you wish.
Packing and moving after a major loss can be a highly emotional experience. As you begin your new life, consider it a refresher instead of thinking of it as running away. Embrace the promise of a new chapter and know your loved one would want you to be happy.
Snowbird Condos in South Florida – Lauderdale Oaks in Lauderdale Lakes
Previously we wrote about our favorite collection of condominiums that are favored by Snowbirds throughout South Florida and today we are adding Lauderdale Oaks in Lauderdale Lakes to the selection because so many of our clients have discovered the community.
Lauderdale Oaks is located along Oakland Park Boulevard in central Broward between I-95 and the Turnpike, and once you enter the community the tranquility will amaze you compared to the busy congestion that surrounds the community. Don’t let it deter you, however, as the community is located conveniently close to I-95 for easy access to the airports, and the central location means residents have access to both the beach (3.5 miles east) or to attractions further west in Weston and Sunrise. Golf, shopping, movies, dining, and entertainment are plentiful in any direction.
Inside Lauderdale Oaks the community features 716 condominiums in 19 buildings. Being a 55+ community means the homes are very affordable which is a surprising change from incredibly expensive new construction nearby. A large club house features an auditorium with seating for 300 and many activities all year long. Three pools, shuffleboard, bocce ball, and plentiful walking trails create a tranquil oasis where it’s easy to relax.
Homes available in Lauderdale Oaks
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Comfortable condo for an LGBT buyer in Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors or perhaps Miami?
A new client of mine wrote in today to ask…
“I’m looking to consult with a local agent in fort Lauderdale area for a potential investment property or vacation home. For us the most important search criteria is location. I know years ago, Wilton Manors was a good area to invest and live in for the LGBT community, is this still the case? Are there any other neighborhoods that we should be considering?
We are debating between investing in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. What are your thoughts pros and cons for each market if you are familiar with both?
Here is our search criteria
- 1-2 bedroom(s) condo
- At least 1.5 bath
- HOA fees less than $400/monthly depending on amenities could pay more
- LGBT neighborhood preferred or central location in metro FLL or close to beach
- Must include Parking and pool
- Max price -$300k
So here’s the deal in South Florida. This is going to hold especially true for southern Broward County and into Miami-Dade.
A tale of Two Markets
The single family home market is healthy and vibrant. In fact, it’s overheated. Prices are increasing. Demand is strong. Broward is an economic engine – not just a vacation destination – and demand for family homes in good school districts is strong.
The condo market is the opposite. Several agents mentioned Dave Gervase. Dave lives in Hollywood and serves greater Broward, but he is willing to work further south than I do. From Hollywood, down into Hallandale, Sunny Isles and Miami, the condo market is struggling. New development is over-built. Developers are scrambling to convert properties already out-of-the-ground into apartments. Seriously scary shit.
Me and the husband (Condo Guru Steve West) settled in Oakland Park (which may as well be Fort Lauderdale) on the north east side. We are 8 minutes to Wilton Manors, too. So I am biased. I’ll push you towards Fort Lauderdale (including Wilton Manors and Oakland Park) because I think it’s the most gay-friendly, relaxed, amazing place to live.
However Fort Lauderdale is a “Tween.” What I mean is that the only reason it exists is because it was a whistle stop on the way south to Miami from the Treasure Coast. So your North Easterners with money will choose West Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.
Folks who want an international destination with the feel of a big city will choose Miami.
The rest of us think that Fort Lauderdale is “Just Right.” It’s a bit more quiet. It’s not as homogeneous as West Palm Beach. And after the heyday of Spring Break (which BTW is still going strong) gays and lesbians moved in and fixed the place up.
As far as what you can get? I had a fellow agent from Michigan purchase a condo in Pompano Beach for under $100,000. Pompano Beach is farther from Wilton Manors, of course. But Michael and Karl got a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, only a mile to the beach off Atlantic Boulevard, in a community with a pool, near restaurants and bars. The condo itself was gorgeous. The community was on the more basic end of the scale. They won’t lose money, however. Ever.
NOTE: You can NOT Air BNB in most condos. You probably can use your condo as an annual rental. Read this:https://sunshineguru.com/
$300,000 will almost get you a whole house. Clients Ed and Jeff close on a house in Oakland Park next week for $330,000. It’s a 2 bed, 2 bath, full 2 car garage, and a pool overlooking a canal. $300,000 will comfortably get you a townhome, almost new townhome in Pompano. A 1970’s or 1980’s townhome in Wilton Manors. Easily a condo. And if you’re near the gayborhood, you’re less susceptible to the vagaries of the market that are plaguing the beachfront in Miami-Dade.
NOTE: You can easily use a townhome or a house as an Air BNB. Heck, I have a pocket listing duplex that would allow you to keep one, and AIR BnB the other. The various villages have inspection and registration requirements. For example, a vacation rental needs a $500 inspection and registration in Fort Lauderdale. On the other hand, Oakland Park is a free-for-all. Similar for Wilton Manors.
Last but not least: You should feel comfortable anyplace in Broward. Just a matter of style of community depending on where you are. You don’t have to be right inside Wilton Manors. I have uber-business lesbians out in Coral Springs because that’s where the good schools are located. There’s a young vibrant gay community in Boca Raton because of several universities. Oakland Park seems to be “Where The Bears Are.”
