How to Decide Between Multiple Offers

November 16, 2015 by

How to Decide Between Multiple Offers


What a splendid dilemma! You’ve received several offers on your property. Which one should you choose? It’s not always the highest one.

Here are just some of the areas Nick & Cindy Davis could ask you to pay particularly close attention to as you're weighing the options.

1. Do the math.
This goes beyond simply calculating the dollar difference between the various offer prices. Before you do that, be sure to do all the math. Subtract things like closing costs, fees and potential repairs to determine the net proceeds of each offer.

2. Consider the financing.
Can the buyer provide proof from the bank that there are funds to back the offer? Your agent can help verify this – and help you understand the terms of the buyer's financing.

3. Motivation.
Do the buyers have a baby-sitting parent in the neighborhood? A new job just around the corner? Buyers with extra motivation to purchase your home are less likely to press for concessions and more likely to work harder to close the deal. Some buyers even include a personal letter with their offer to explain why they want the home. These letters can be particularly helpful in multiple-offer situations.

4. Timeline.
Note the closing date each offer proposes. You'll want a closing date that best meets your needs. You can always counter a closing date, too, if the best offer doesn't quite meet your timeline.

Weighing the pros and cons of each offer can be tricky. An experienced agent can help you clarify, calculate and secure the very best deal for you. Nick & Cindy Davis have proven track records when it comes to negotiating the best price for you. Visit www.TampaHomesSold.com or contact us directly at 813-300-7116 we are here to help.

Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Ask a Realtor, Brandon, Dade City, Economy, Fit to Sell, Florida, Home Ownership, Home Selling, Homes for Sale, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Macdiill, New Tampa, Nick & Cindy Davis, RE/MAX, realtors, Tampa, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , , ,

Small Outdoor Spaces -7 Staging Tips

November 9, 2015 by

 Small Outdoor Spaces -7 Staging Tips

Small Outdoor Spaces -7 Staging Tips

An attractive outdoor space, even if it’s just big enough to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or evening cocktail, can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Here are a few suggestions for maximizing your outdoor living space.

1. Floor it.
If you have a small outdoor area, it won’t break the bank to invest in higher quality tiles or stones. Snap-in deck tiles are another option for adding a touch of class.

2. Envision clarity.
When it comes to tables, go for glass-topped: It will help create the illusion of a larger space.

3. Watch your back.
Chairs and benches with more open backs don’t interrupt sight lines as much. They’ll keep your space feeling open, and looking larger.

4. Focus.
Creating a focal point in a small space adds visual interest. A simple piece of garden art, a small flowering tree or a tiny water feature in a corner can add style and distract buyers from focusing on square footage.

5. Scale down.
The world’s largest outdoor chaise lounge may be a napper’s dream, but it won’t do much to help your patio or deck. Choose outdoor furniture scaled to set off your space, not smother it. You can even find fire pits in smaller sizes.

6. Get vertical.
Wall gardens help add green without sacrificing space. Wall art made from succulent plants is another low-maintenance option for adding foliage, and drawing attention to the edges of your space, which helps visually enlarge it.

7. Don’t hide the grill.
A clean barbecue can help buyers imagine their own outdoor meals. Unless you have a grill or smoker large enough to hold the entire pig, or if your grill is in disrepair, keep it out.

Ready to show off your newly decorated deck or patio? Start by Contacting Nick & Cindy Davis with RE/MAX Premier Group here: Nick & Cindy Davis

Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Ask a Realtor, Brandon, Economy, Family, Fit to Sell, Florida, Home Ownership, Home Selling, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Macdiill, Moving, New Tampa, Nick & Cindy Davis, nick and cindy davis, RE/MAX, realtors, Tampa, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , , , , ,

4 Resources for First-Time Homebuyers

November 2, 2015 by

4 Resources for First-Time Homebuyers

4 Resources for First-Time Homebuyers

Surveys show that first-time buyers aren’t aware of how much they need to save for a down payment. Many people believe that buying a home requires they put down at least 20 percent of the purchase price, but down payments aren’t as big of an obstacle as people think. For example, a loan through the Federal Housing Administration could require a down payment as low as 3.5 percent; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have similarly low requirements.

If you qualify for a loan with a low down payment but still have trouble coming up with the cash, here are a few of the many programs out there that can help. Do some research to find out what’s available in your area.

  1. Help getting down
    The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives community development block grants to states and local governments across the country to help revitalize certain areas. HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program(HOME) is one such program. States often have their own programs for down payment assistance, too.
  2. Opening up options for closing
    The Federal National Mortgage Association, a.k.a. Fannie Mae, designed the HomePath Ready Buyer program to attract new homebuyers to the market. Through the program, qualifying first-time homebuyers can get assistance of up to 3 percent of closing costs after they pass an online homeownership course.
  3. Making ownership less taxing
    Some state governments provide first-time buyers with a tax credit to boost homeownership.
  4. Helping heroes
    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guaranty Servicehelps veterans or surviving spouses obtain better terms for their mortgage by guaranteeing a portion of the loan. Some VA mortgages require no down payment.

Check the National Council of State Housing Agencies for more opportunities available in your state.

A buyer’s agent will be able to help you find the programs that operate in your area and are appropriate to your financial situation. Nick & Cindy Davis are here to assist you with your home purchase.

Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Ask a Realtor, Brandon, Buying a Home, Dade City, Florida, Home Buying, Homes for Sale, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Macdiill, Moving, New Construction, New Tampa, Nick & Cindy Davis, nick and cindy davis, RE/MAX, realtors, Tampa, Uncategorized, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , , ,

11 Candy Alternatives for Halloween

October 26, 2015 by

11 Candy Alternatives for Halloween

11 Candy Alternatives for Halloween

Perhaps you’re not feeling candy this year. Maybe you’ve experienced the wrath of an over-sugared six-year-old (or their parents). Maybe you can’t trust yourself to sit for hours by the front door with a massive quantity of chocolate without eating most of it yourself. Or maybe you’re a dentist. Don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can give trick-or-treaters instead of the sweet stuff. Here are a few:

1. Glow sticks
Could there be a more perfect accessory for Halloween? Kids can light them up with a snap and wear them as bracelets, necklaces and crowns. Bonus: they make it easier for parents to keep their eyes on their kiddos.

2. Stickers
Choose from the assortment of ghosts, witches and pumpkins available in stores in October or go with stickers with year-round appeal, like super heroes and animals.

3. Bubbles
Hours – or at least a few minutes – of bubble-blowing entertainment in every little bottle.

4. Plastic spider rings
The creepy-crawly bling kids love to wear.

5. Crazy straws
Halloween-themed straws can easily be found in dollar stores.

6. Fake fangs
These could also add a point of interest to your annual holiday photo card, if you’re so inclined.

7. Temporary tattoos
What kid doesn’t want a cool spiderweb on their bicep?

8. Slime
What exactly is the ooey-gooey stuff in the little cans? It remains a mystery, but kids definitely love to squish this classic toy.

9. Plastic jewelry
Sparkly rings, bracelets, necklaces and cheap tiaras are not only fun for kids to wear, but you can dress like a pirate as you hand out your glittering treasures.

10. Bouncy #####
Beloved especially by kids who live in homes with hardwood floors.

11. Kazoos
Parents may hate you, but kids can lead their own parades as they head to the next house.

Looking for a home in a trick-or-treater-friendly neighborhood? A buyer’s agent can help identify which ‘hoods are happy for Halloween and other kid-friendly occasions. Contact Nick & Cindy Davis here www.TampaHomesSold.com

Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Dade City, Downtown, Family, Florida, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Macdiill, New Tampa, Nick & Cindy Davis, nick and cindy davis, RE/MAX, Tampa, Uncategorized, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , , ,

7 Features That Date Your Home

October 19, 2015 by

7 Features That Date Your Home

There’s a fine – and often subjective—line between “vintage” and “dated” when it comes to home features. Buyers tend to be willing to pay more for a contemporary-looking property. But how do you determine whether to invest in an update? Here are a few features it’s pretty safe to say are long past their expiration date.

  1. Popcorn ceilings
    Also known as acoustic, or cottage cheese ceilings, they were styled using a popular spray-on ceiling finish for decades. Fortunately, the finish is easy enough to remove using a variety of DIY methods.
  2. Tiled countertops
    Even if they’re not from the 40s or 50s, once you’ve wasted time scrubbing grout clean, you’ll understand why these should go.
  3. Brass
    Back in the 80s, brass fixtures shone from everywhere they could be screwed or plugged in. That kind of home bling worked back when everyone wondered who shot J.R. To appeal to today’s buyer, update to a more neutral shade such as black or gray, or you can go with the very trendy copper.
  4. Mauve
    Also known as dusty rose, in the 80s this color infested everything from walls and carpets to Don Johnson’s “Miami Vice” blazers. Try swapping out for more neutral colors.
  5. Short backsplashes
    Popular in the 90s, colored glass and funky tile short backsplashes added color to kitchens. But they also visually shortened the kitchen walls. Replace them with tiles that reach all the way to the ceiling to make the space look larger.
  6. Light wood cabinets
    They were everywhere in the 90s, but are a quick, inexpensive update. Just grab some paint or stain from the hardware store.
  7. Wood paneling
    Generally speaking, if you can envision Marsha, Cindy and Jan giggling in front of it, it needs to go.

Not sure what to scrape, paint or replace? Nick & Cindy Davis can help suggest what updates may be worth the investment.

Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Ask a Realtor, Brandon, Dade City, Family, Fit to Sell, Florida, Home Ownership, Home Selling, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Macdiill, New Tampa, Nick & Cindy Davis, nick and cindy davis, RE/MAX, realtors, Tampa, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , , , , ,

7 Ways to Meet Your New Neighbors

October 12, 2015 by

7 Ways to Meet Your New Neighbors

Now that you’ve settled into your new home, it’s time to the meet the neighbors. Here are a few tips to break the ice. Go ahead, don’t be shy!

1. Throw an informal happy hour
After all that unpacking (or staring exhaustedly at those boxes that need to be unpacked) hosting a party may be the last thing you want to do. But a casual gathering involves little effort. A couple bottles of wine, a few snacks and you’re set to meet new friends. Plus this is the one time you can get away with a disorganized house and still have people over — take advantage.

2. Get some fresh air
Hang out in your front yard or on your porch. Neighbors are much more likely to stop by to say hello if they see you sitting outside with a cup of coffee than if you’re inside and they have to knock on your door.

3. Go exploring
Jog through your new neighborhood instead of hitting the gym. Neighbors will at least wave, if not stop you for a quick chat.

4. Puppy pride
Walking your dog, or playing with him or her in your yard or local dog park, is an excellent way to meet people, especially other dog lovers.

5. Cruise garage sales
You might not want to actually buy anything since you just gave away a lot of accumulated junk before your move, but perusing garage sales is a great way to meet your neighbors. Check out the local paper or Craigslist to find out where to go.

6. Hang out with your kids
Volunteering at school or chatting with other parents at the playground can result in new friends for you and your kids.

7. Dust off those oven mitts
Bringing homemade cookies to the neighbors makes a great first impression. If you haven’t unpacked your kitchen, bakery or store-bought goodies will also be appreciated. Don’t forget to stop by with dog treats to make new canine friends as well!

Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Ask a Realtor, Brandon, Buying a Home, Dade City, Family, Florida, Home Buying, Home Ownership, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Macdiill, Moving, New Construction, New Tampa, Nick & Cindy Davis, nick and cindy davis, RE/MAX, realtors, Tampa, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , , ,

7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Buying or Selling a Home

October 5, 2015 by

7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Buying or Selling a Home


7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Buying or Selling a Home

Research has shown that buying or selling a home can be one of life’s most stressful events — right up there with filing for bankruptcy or getting a divorce. Preparation is the key to reducing anxiety. Here are a few tips:

1. Choose your agent carefully
An experienced pro will be prepared for every twist in the road, minimizing stress for you.

2. Home buyers: List before looking
Create and prioritize a list of “wants” and “needs” of home features before you begin touring properties. Waiting to think about what you’re truly looking for in a home until the showing will put you on the spot, creating anxiety.

3. Home buyers: Get mortgage preapproval
Having your finances ready eliminates white-knuckled waiting periods, or unpleasant surprises from lenders after you’ve found your dream home.

4. Don’t take things personally
It’s not you, it’s them. Or the market. Or the lender. Try not to take it personally if buyers value your home for less than what you’re asking, or if a seller rejects what you believe is a perfectly reasonable offer.

5. Keep things in perspective
Consider the worst-case scenario. Will you have to forage for food? Will you need to sell a kidney? Probably not. Other buyers will eventually materialize. Or you’ll find another home you love just as much as the one that got away.

6. Focus on something else
Give yourself a break and indulge in an activity that requires the undivided attention of your body and mind. Yoga lessons, anyone?

7. Find a four-legged friend
Petting and playing with animals is clinically proven to lower your blood pressure. And they won’t interrupt if you need to vent.

Talking things through with Nick & Cindy Davis is another way to de-stress. You can contact us here: www.TampaHomesSold.com

Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Ask a Realtor, Brandon, Buying a Home, Channelside, Dade City, Family, Fit to Sell, Florida, Home Buying, Home Selling, Homes for Sale, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Macdiill, Moving, New Construction, New Tampa, Nick & Cindy Davis, RE/MAX, realtors, Short sale, Tampa, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , , ,

Landscaping 8 Money-Saving Tips

September 21, 2015 by

Landscaping 8 Money-Saving Tips

Landscaping 8 Money-Saving Tips

 

A yard with a beautiful landscape is one of the few home investments with a value that increases over the years. Buyers love mature plants and trees, so giving your yard some love even if you’re not planning on selling for a few years is a smart way to go. What’s even smarter? Employing these money-saving tips:

  1. Free mulch.
    Many municipalities recycle the yard waste they pick up curbside throughout the year into mulch, which is then made available to residents for free or a very low price. Surrounding your shrubs and trees with a layer of the stuff not only makes them stand out visually, it also helps conserve moisture and stave off bugs.
  2. Look to the list.
    Craigslist’s “farm and garden” section can be a treasure trove of outdoor planters, border stones and even “used” trees and shrubs. Check here first before heading to the nursery.
  3. Go big with your neighbors.
    Bedding plants are often less expensive when you buy them in bulk.
  4. Compost.
    Instead of buying bags of fertilizer, generate your own black gold for gardens by composting your kitchen waste. It’s not as hard – or smelly – as you’d think.
  5. Chat with a master.
    Master gardeners often hold free Q&A sessions at garden centers or local libraries. Before investing in new plants, seeds or shrubs, check with an expert to find which options will thrive without expensive maintenance.
  6. Rein it in.
    Trim back any trees, shrubs or vines that hide or overwhelm your windows, porch or patio. Sometimes the most effective landscaping upgrade can come from removing greenery, not adding it.
  7. Pull your weeds.
    It’s the outdoor equivalent of de-cluttering your home, an inexpensive way to boost your yard’s visual appeal.
  8. Powerwash fences and patios.
    It can take years off your fence and patio in just minutes. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter they’ll look with just a bit of effort that requires little more skill than running a vacuum. Rent a machine at your local home improvement box store for about $30.

Your Realtor can help you find ways even more ways to easily improve the landscape. You can contact Nick & Cindy Davis here: email Nick & Cindy Davis or visit www.TampaHomesSold.com

Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Ask a Realtor, Brandon, Curb Appeal, Economy, Family, Fit to Sell, Florida, Home Ownership, Home Selling, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Moving, New Tampa, Nick & Cindy Davis, nick and cindy davis, RE/MAX, realtors, Tampa, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , ,

“Does it Come With The House?”

September 7, 2015 by

“Does it Come With The House?”

“Does it Come With The House?”

Heavy, bulky items can be awkward to pack up and difficult to move. They also can be seen as big perks to potential buyers. If you’re willing to part with the items below, have your agent pitch them as unique features of your house.

1. Basketball hoop – This can be great for families with young children. A game of basketball is the perfect icebreaker between neighborhood kids.

2. Trampoline – Another family-friendly item. That is, as long it’s not rusted or in otherwise poor condition.

3. Washer/Dryer – One less thing for buyers transitioning from apartment life to worry about.

4. Garage storage – Once you really dive into packing, you’ll be glad you don’t have to disassemble your shelving and storage racks, let alone find a box they fit in.

5. Light fixtures – Know your audience on this one. People can either think Tiffany lamps add character to a room or subtract from it.

6. Child proofing – The chances all those tiny socket plugs and safety latches make it to your new home are slim anyway.

7. Backyard shed – Gardeners and lawn care enthusiasts will rejoice.

Be prepared that a potential buyer may say “No.” Make sure you only leave behind items the buyer is interested in!

Does throwing in your washer and dryer merit a higher asking price? What about your garage shelves? Work with experienced RE/MAX agents Nick & Cindy Davis to reach a price that is fair for both parties.

Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Buying a Home, Channelside, Dade City, Economy, Family, Fit to Sell, Florida, Home Selling, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Macdiill, Moving, Nick & Cindy Davis, nick and cindy davis, RE/MAX, realtors, Tampa, Uncategorized, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , , ,

Moving Day 7 Things to Keep in Mind!

August 31, 2015 by

Moving Day 7 Things to Keep in Mind!

After months of touring homes, playing phone tag with your mortgage lender and researching school districts, you’ve finally closed on a house. Congratulations!

Now the hard part begins.

Moving is always a pain in the neck (and back), but if you plan ahead and stay organized you can certainly reduce your stress level. Here are some tips and reminders:

  1. Book furniture donations weeks in advance…
    Although many donation companies will happily pick up furniture, many require you to schedule an appointment, and they can be backed up for weeks at a time.

      2.  As well as your friends. Your friends are there for you for the good times and moving day, but no one is                going  to cancel their plans last minute for the opportunity to haul furniture, even if you promise beer
          and pizza.

  1. Avoid mystery boxes.
    Label everything – and be specific! In the first few days of unpacking, you won’t want to sort through boxes of heirloom china when all you need is a spoon.
     
  2. Rethink categorization.
    Box things up according to what, not where, they are. For example, you’ll likely rearrange furniture before putting away any décor. Keep artwork together so you aren’t stumbling over a box of decorative vases while reassembling your bookcase.
     
  3. Have the essentials ready.
    Pack these basics together so you can be somewhat civilized while putting everything away at your new place: Trashcan, dishtowels, toilet paper, hand soap, shower curtain and bathroom rug.
  4. Be conscious about weight.

     

     

     

    Don’t pile everything into one box that will be impossible to lift. It’s much easier to make several trips with light boxes than to carry a bulkier item between two people.
     

  5. Yes, you need a dolly!
    If you have the option to rent a dolly, do it! It will make your life 100 percent easier.

Moving is difficult enough – finding your dream home shouldn’t be! Nick & Cindy Davis are ready to help: http://www.tampahomessold.com/

 
Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Buying a Home, Economy, Family, Florida, Home Selling, Land O Lakes, Lutz, Macdiill, Moving, New Construction, New Tampa, nick and cindy davis, RE/MAX, realtors, Tampa, Uncategorized, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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