Congratulations, you just purchased a new home!  Once you get unpacked and settled in, there are some important things you should know about your new home.  Take some time to get acquainted with how your new property operates. The more you know, the less caught off guard you’ll be when problems arise and the faster you can return to the finer things in life.

1. Water Shut Off Valve – In a plumbing emergency, you’ll want to know how to quickly find this valve and turn it off. Check for it in the garage or near your hot water tank.  Often times in Florida, you will find it outside in the ground.  It’s a good idea to turn this off when you are going to be away from your home for an extended period. It’s also a good idea to do so when fixing or replacing faucets or toilets.
2. Electrical Panel – It’s good to know the location of this as well.  Some homes have more than 1.  If yours isn’t properly labelled, you will thank yourself later when you take the time to do so.  If there were any electrical concerns brought up on your home inspection report (because you took the advice of a good realtor and had a home inspection done), have them evaluated by a licensed electrician.
3. Gas Shut Off – If your home has natural gas, it’s important that you know where your main gas supply is located. In a single-family house, you can usually find it on the side or back of the house, just before the gas meter. Gas leaks can be dangerous and even fatal. Once you’ve turned off the valve, go outside call the gas company.  Natural gas is naturally odorless, but there is an additive to give it smell for safety reasons.
4. HVAC Filters – Replacing your HVAC filter on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do to keep it running efficiently.  Find the location and size of all the intake filters and keep a supply of new ones on hand.
5. Smoke Detectors – The National Fire Protection Association suggests placing a smoke alarm inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of your home.  If smoke alarms are already installed in your home, check their expiration dates and test them to confirm they are working properly.  If they have batteries, replace them now and then again, a year from now.  Not only will this help keep you and your family safe, but it will save you from the obnoxious beep at 3 a.m.
6. Attic Access – Whether you want to examine its insulation, have a bunch of boxes that need a home, or are hearing strange animal sounds, it’s important to know where your attic is and what it has to offer. But before you start toting Christmas decor up there, verify that the floor is structurally sound, and the space is properly ventilated. To test the latter, touch your hand to the ceiling of a room below the attic on a hot day; if it’s warm, it may be a sign your attic is storing heat.  Installing an attic fan may be a good idea to save you on your AC bill.
7. Underground Lines – This is a big one in Florida.  Before you dig, you will want to find out where your waterlines, sprinkler lines, cable line and more are located.  You may be surprised to find out how close to the surface they are.

This is just a few of the important things you should know about your new home.  If you took the advice of a great real estate agent, and had a home inspection done, the inspector probably included some great information in the report.  I would go back and read it.

Should you paint your home before selling?  If it needs it, yes!

Exterior

Let’s first talk about the exterior.  Any painted surfaces such as siding, trim, exterior doors, should be painted if they are chipped, faded or dirty beyond cleaning.  The exterior of your home is the first impression for a potential buyer along with your landscaping.  Poor appearance on the exterior gives the impression that your home has not been maintained.  Data shows that painting your exterior increases selling price and is a great return on investment.  Be careful of color choices – if in doubt, contact a local respected realtor for advice.  If your budget does not allow for painting the whole exterior, then focus on cleaning, touching up damaged areas, painting the trim and the front door.

Interior

What about the interior?  Painting your home’s interior can provide as great return on investment.  Take a really good look at your home’s interior.  I think you will notice chipped and scuffed paint especially on trim.  Door and cabinets can often show signs of paint wearing off.  You may need to paint to change over that room that you painted in your football team’s colors.

Color Selection

Again, a good realtor can guide on what colors would be best.  Any decorator will tell you that white is a complicated color.  I typically use a decorator to pick colors that best coordinate with the trim and floors.  You want there to be cohesiveness.  Lighter colors also make rooms look bigger.  A fresh coat of paint can make the whole home feel clean and well kept.  I will tell you that even property appraisers stay abreast of color trends and use that to help decide when the last time was your home was probably painted.

Hire a  Pro or DIY

Hiring a professional painter can be one of the cheapest upgrades you can make.  However, if you decide to paint yourself, please take these words of advice.  Use quality paint, use a quality brush (I prefer the Purdy brand) and protect your floors with a drop cloth.  Please take the time to remove switch plates and outlet covers before painting.  If you are not steady with a brush, tape off all trim with painter’s tape.  Nothing screams DIY like paint on switch plates and trim.

Nothing can transform your space as quickly or cost-effectively as a fresh coat of paint. Whether you’re putting a fresh coat on your front door for a great first impression or painting over a hot-pink bedroom, the answer to “Should you paint your home before selling?” is almost always yes.  There is great power in paint!

Are Homeowners’ Associations a Good Thing?  I would say that answer depends on what is important to you.

Let’s first talk about what a Homeowners’ Association is.  A HOA, or Homeowners’ Association, is a private organization typically established within a residential community or neighborhood to manage and enforce certain rules, regulations, and standards for the properties within that community.  Membership is usually mandatory but can be voluntary.

Some of the benefits of a neighborhood HOA may include:

Amenities: Many HOAs provide amenities such as pools, gyms, parks, club houses and common areas.

Security:  Some HOA fees cover the cost of a security system.  This could be as simple as a gate at the neighborhood entrance or could include security guards as well.

Maintenance Assistance: Many HOAs are responsible for maintaining and managing common areas within the community, such as parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and landscaping. The cost of maintaining these areas is typically covered by the fees paid by homeowners.

Sense of Community: HOAs can foster a sense of community by organizing neighborhood potlucks, block parties, and other events. They may also mediate conflicts to ensure everyone in the neighborhood’s needs are met. Some offer neighborhood watch programs as well. This can be helpful for anyone who wants to have a close relationship with neighbors.

Protected Home Values: HOAs often have an architectural review committee that reviews and approves or denies proposed changes or additions to individual properties, ensuring that they conform to community standards. This can ensure cohesion and boost the overall aesthetic. HOA’s rules can also ensure everyone in the neighborhood maintains homes and curb appeal, protecting property values throughout the neighborhood.

Disadvantages of an HOA may include the following:

Fees, Fines, or Assessments: HOAs charge monthly or annual fees to cover things like maintenance and management costs. HOAs are also allowed to charge fines or special assessments for a breach of regulations or to cover unexpected costs like repairs or improvements. Fees can vary significantly from one HOA to another, and some will be more aggressive in applying fines than others.  Some HOA charge a first-time buyer’s fee.  They may even go so far as to require the board’s approval before you can purchase in the neighborhood.

Exterior Restrictions: HOAs can have strict rules about building renovations, exterior modifications, paint colors, landscaping, and even lawn decor or parking on the street.   Some rules may include no parking your boat or RV in your driveway.  This can feel restricting to some homeowners.

Lack of Property Versatility: Some HOAs will have rules restricting long-term renting, short-term renting (like an Airbnb), long-term guests, and even dog breeds, among other things. This can make your property less usable than a home outside of an HOA’s purview.

Rule Interpretation: HOA rules can be complex and, at times, subject to interpretation. This can lead to confusion and frustration if not addressed correctly. Changes in leadership can further complicate matters if rules are enforced differently than in the past.

How much is my home worth?  How does a Realtor determine the Market Value of your home?  Realtors determine the market value of a home through a combination of factors, data analysis, and their expertise in the local real estate market.  Of course, many people like to check out the Zillow estimate – to find out why I wouldn’t recommend that, click here.  Here’s an overview of the process I typically follow:

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA):

This is the primary methods realtors use to determine a home’s market value. I research recently sold properties in the same neighborhood or similar areas that are comparable to the subject property.  I look for home similar in terms of size, age, features, and condition.  By comparing recent sales prices, I can estimate a range within which the subject property’s value might fall.

Property Inspection and Condition: 

In order to do a proper assessment, I need to see a home in person.  I consider the current condition of the property. I assess factors such as the age of the home, its architectural style, the quality of construction, any recent renovations or updates, and the overall maintenance level. Have there been updates to the kitchen, baths, flooring, lighting, appliances, HVAC, roof, hot water heater, etc.  These factors can impact the value of the property.

Location:

The location of a property is a crucial factor in determining its value. Realtors consider aspects like proximity to schools, shopping centers, parks, beaches, and the overall desirability of the neighborhood.  Whether the home is waterfront or water view.

Current Market Trends:

I stay updated on current real estate market trends. I analyze whether the market is currently favoring buyers or sellers, the supply and demand dynamics, and whether property values are increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable.

Local Market Knowledge:

Experienced realtors have in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market. They understand the unique characteristics of different neighborhoods, including historical trends and potential future developments that could impact property values.

Comparable Listings:

In addition to recently sold properties, I also consider active listings that are currently on the market. These listings provide insights into what other sellers are asking for similar properties, which can help realtors gauge the competition and adjust their valuation accordingly.  I look at how long those homes have been on the market.

Economic Factors:

Broader economic factors, such as interest rates, unemployment rates, and local economic conditions, can also influence property values.

Appraisal Reports:

While not determined by realtors themselves, they often consider recent appraisal reports when assessing a property’s value. Appraisers provide an independent estimate of a property’s value based on a similar set of criteria.  I collect as many appraisals as I can to keep up with how much value an appraiser attaches to specific items.  For example, how much is a 3-car garage vs a 2-car garage worth?  Are appraisers giving value for solar panels?

Adjustments:

I make adjustments to the comparable properties I use in my analysis to account for differences between the subject property and the comparables. For example, if the subject property has an extra bedroom or a larger lot size, adjustments are made to reflect these differences.

Professional Judgment:

Finally, realtors apply their professional judgment and experience to weigh all these factors and arrive at a reasonable estimate of the property’s market value. This is where my expertise in the local market plays a crucial role.

It’s important to note that while realtors are highly knowledgeable, the market value they provide is an estimate, and the actual sale price of a property can vary based on factors such as negotiation skills, buyer interest, and economic changes. If you’re looking to sell your home or find out how much your home is worth, it’s a good idea to consult with a local real estate professional.  Call me at 850.974.0869!

Does your garage count as living space?  Well, some might think so because their spouse seems to “live” in there.  However, most people don’t think so.  What about a garage that is heated & cooled or one that’s been “converted”.  Typically, your garage is not counted in the square footage of your home.  If your garage is heated and cooled, this is certainly a bonus that most buyers will appreciate, but it doesn’t make it living space.

Total square feet of living space is different from total area under the roof, another type of home measurement. Total area under the roof includes porches, garages and balconies.  In general, living square footage typically refers to the areas of a home that are finished and habitable, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and other living spaces. Garages are usually not considered part of the living square footage because they are not designed or intended for regular habitation. Instead, garages are primarily meant for vehicle parking, storage, and often house utility equipment like water heaters and furnaces.

What if you convert your garage to living space?  Well, that depends on just how far you took the conversion.  If you turned the space into a mancave or your personal gym, that doesn’t automatically count.  In general, the space needs to be completed to the same like-kind quality and finishes as the rest of the living space.

What is your garage worth as just a garage?  A typical garage will add about $10,000 per bay to the value of your home.  Certainly, upgrades like oversized, built-in cabinets, a workshop area, epoxied floor, electric car charging port, etc.  will add additional value and appeal.

What about carports?  They also add value to the home based on the size, construction and condition.

So does your garage count as living space?  In most cases the answer is no.  If you’re not sure, you can contact a local property appraiser or realtor to find out.

I don’t know about you, but the words “picture day” bring back memories of school pictures. Oh the stress of what to wear, hoping for a good hair day and praying for no bad acne! Yikes! Picture day for your home is an important step for selling. As I’m sure you know, most buyers decide whether to even consider a home based on what they see online. Poor photos could cost you potential buyers. So, let’s talk about how to get the best photos of your home. Let’s get your home ready for Picture Day!

Cleaning and decluttering:

Hopefully these are steps that you took well before picture day. It’s best to pack up any items that you can part with until you move. Donate any items that you no longer want or need. Give your home a deep clean. Turn on all the lights and really take a good look at your home. Looks at the cleanliness of the walls, baseboards, light switches, cabinet fronts, appliances, etc. We tend to not see some on these things in the hustle and bustle of our daily living. Empty as many things out of your closets as possible – try to have the  floor empty.

Clear the counters:

Clean almost everything off of your kitchen and bathroom counters. Put away cleaning supplies, toilet brushes, trash cans and plungers. The same goes for nightstands, and dressers; there should be just a few decorative items on these. Empty out your showers. Put down the toilet seats.  

Make the beds:

Make up the beds. Picture what you would expect the bed to look like if you were checking into a nice hotel. Make sure you can’t see any items that may be store under the bed.

Ready the exterior:

Be sure the lawn has been recently mowed and edged. Bushes should be trimmed. Fresh mulch is always a plus. Make sure outdoor trash cans are not visible and no cars should be in the driveway. Hopefully your home and driveway were pressure washed if needed. Clean the windows and screens. 

Lights, camera, action:

Make sure that you do not have any burned-out light bulbs. Ideally you want to replace your bulbs with matching “daylight” bulbs.  

Professional Photographer: Yes, a professional photographer is worth every penny. I know we all have stellar cameras on our cell phones these days. Your cell phone camera will still not take better photos than a pro. Not to mention a photographer has a good eye for what angles to take photos. They understand how to best show off your home.

It’s picture day! Are you ready? If you hired a good realtor, you will be. Let’s Get your Home Ready for Picture Day!