Moving Day 7 Things to Keep in Mind!

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/

 

Who Knew? 10 Great Things About Moving

Who Knew? 10 Great Things About Moving

Who Knew? 10 Great Things About Moving

 

Is all the lifting, hauling and packing of your move squashing the thrill of a fresh start? Totally understandable. But there’s a silver lining to every cardboard box. Here are 10 reasons to look forward to moving day.

  1. You can lose the junk mail. When you fill out your USPS® change-of-address form, it’s easy to check the “do not forward catalogs, etc.” box.
  2. You might find that lost earring, shoe, cellphone, etc. Though the cellphone may be too old for today’s tech, the satisfaction of finally discovering what happened to a lost item as you’re packing things up is priceless.
  3. You’ll find out who your true friends are. The ones that show up to help you pack and move are keepers.
  4. You can pay people to do just about every aspect of moving for you. There are professional services or people on Craigslist looking for odd jobs who will do it all, from cleaning the fridge to boxing your underwear.
  5. As you pack, you’ll probably come across things that spark vivid memories. It’s a great time to smile, remember and be grateful.
  6. The promise of having one more box you don’t have to unpack later is a powerful motivator for de-cluttering. And, if you can’t let things go, you’ll at least have a better idea of how serious your hoarding issue is.
  7. Your new neighbors will have no idea you accidentally backed over your old neighbors’ mailbox.
  8. The quiver of excitement and satisfaction that comes with taping shut the very last moving box.
  9. Moving is a very good excuse for a cocktail party to empty all your remaining bottles and finish off those condiments in the fridge. Why risk transporting that bottle of fine bourbon?
  10. The housewarming party!

The best thing about moving, of course, is your new home. Contact a Nick & Cindy Davis to help you find it: www.TampaHomesSold.com

6 Questions to Ask on a Home Tour

6 Questions to Ask on a Home Tour

Thanks to the Internet and our digital tools, you can learn a lot about a home before visiting, such as when the house was built and the HOA or tax costs. Some things, however, are best to ask us in person when you’re touring a property.

1. Why are the owners selling?
The agent isn’t obligated to tell you, but he or she might. The answer could reveal issues not included in the listing description. Is there a new highway planned nearby? Are the HOA restrictions too much for the sellers to handle? If the agent does reveal, for instance, that the owner is desperate to close quickly, you might be able to use that to your advantage when negotiating price.

2. What’s the sellers’ timeline?
Do the property owners need to relocate immediately for work? Or are they waiting for their children to finish the current school year? It’s important that your timeline for moving into the home and the owner’s timeline for moving out line up.

3. What, exactly, is for sale?
Find out precisely what’s included in the sales price. That nifty new fridge with the built-in smart screen you admire might be going with the sellers to their new home. Learn whether the appliances and fixtures, such as ceiling fans, are included in the sale price.

4. Are there any issues with the property?
Yes, the sellers are required to reveal most problems, but a chatty sales agent might reveal more than is included in the disclosure document. It certainly can’t hurt to ask.

5. How are the neighbors?
Ask about the types of people that live nearby. Retirees? Young families with kids? College students? The primary population will influence the overall culture of the neighborhood and can help you determine if this is the home for you.

6. Have the owners completed any major home projects?
Lots of recent home improvements could mean the property is in better shape than ever, ready for you to enjoy. It could also indicate more work will need to be done in the future. Be sure to get the full story about any recent property updates.

You’ll have tons of questions as you search for your next home. Nick & Cindy Davis can help you find the answers. To get started on your New Home Search, start here:  www.TampaHomesSold.com

6 Decisions to Make Before the Home Search

6 Decisions to Make Before the Home Search

In the market for a new home but have no idea where to start? There are several decisions you should begin to make before you even start your home search. By asking yourself the right questions, you can quickly pinpoint what you want – and can afford – in your next home.

What’s your budget?

What do you need in your new home?

Do you want a condo or single-family home?

How do you feel about living under covenants?

What school district do you want to be near?

Should the home be move-in ready?

After considering all these factors, you'll be ready to start the home search with a clearer picture of where you're headed. When that time comes, let a Nick & Cindy Davis guide you all the way there.  To see the complete article visit www.TampaHomesSold.com/Nick-Cindy-Davis-Blog.aspx

5 Resources When You’re in Between Homes

5 Resources When You’re in Between Homes

5 Resources When You’re in Between Homes

Sold your home but haven’t found your next place yet? Don’t panic. These digital days, it’s easier than ever to locate temporary living arrangements. Some suggestions on where to turn:

Your buyers
Craigslist
Airbnb & VRBO or Social media
University housing
Long-term suites & corporate housing

We will go more in depth into each area. To see the complete article please visit www.TampaHomesSold.com/Nick-Cindy-Davis-Blog.aspx

 

5 Tips to Pinpoint Your Right Home Online

5 Tips to Pinpoint Your Right Home Online

5 Tips to Pinpoint Your Right Home Online

5 Tips to Pinpoint Your Right Home Online when you're ready to start your home search online, don't let the sheer volume of listings overwhelm you. Below are some tips to help you narrow down your search results on TampaHomesSold.com and make it much easier to streamline the list of homes you want to visit.

 

Be smart about pricing.
Consult the map.
Remember, photos and videos are only 2D.
Search your top neighborhood choices.
Balance character with upkeep.

 

We will go more in depth into each of these areas. To get started please visit  www.TampaHomesSold.com/Nick-Cindy-Davis-Blog.aspx

 

Good time to sell! Why Now is the right Time!

Good time to sell! Why Now is the right Time!

Why now is a good time to sell!

We would like to share with you several reasons why now is a good time to sell. The Real Estate Market has come back from a downward spiral and appreciating at somewhat normal levels this past year. We have seen appreciation in our own home and know that it is a good time to sell. Here are the top 5 Reasons for you to condier.

Inventory is Low
Interest Rates are Low
Your Home is in Tampa Bay Area
Value is increased in Tampa Bay Area
Resurgence of New Construction

We will go more in depth of each of the Top 5 Reasons. To see the full story please visit www.TampaHomesSold.com/Nick-Cindy-Davis-Blog-aspx

Amenities-High End

Could High-End Amenities Make Your Home Harder to Sell?

                                                                                             Could High-End Amenities Make Your Home Harder to Sell

Spa-like bathrooms and huge master closets are good investments, but steer clear of amenities that won’t bring a good return. When it comes to luxurious living, location is the crown jewel of home ownership. But which high-end amenities offer a return on investment — and should therefore be considered — and which don’t?

Strong curb appeal

Master bedroom with a walk-in closet

Spa-like bathroom

High-end audio-video systems

In-ground swimming pool

We will go more in depth into each of these areas, please visit our website at www.TampaHomesSold.com/Nick-Cindy-Davis-Blog.aspx

5 Things to Think About When Buying Your First Place

Buying Your First Place

5 Things to Think About When Buying Your First Place

As a renter, you have the luxury of choosing a place that meets your needs at the moment.​ Buying a home is a much bigger commitment, both in terms of finances and the length of time you’ll likely live there. When seeking out your first place – whether a house or condominium or anything in between – it’s important to do your homework.

Here are 5 things to consider as you begin the process of buying your first place.

  1. The growth possibilities
  2. What's under the hood? 
  3. Know that no home will be perfect.
  4. Consider ALL the costs of ownership
  5. The lifespan of things.

To see full story please visit www.TampaHomesSold.com/Nick-Cindy-Davis-Blog.aspx

4 Ways to Get Involved in Your New Neighborhood

4 Ways to Get Involved in Your New Neighborhood

4 Ways to Get Involved in Your New Neighborhood

The boxes are unpacked, the house is set up and everybody's settled into their new routine after the big move. Life is beginning to feel a bit more normal. But now that you're here and the immediate tasks have been taken care of, you want to get involved in your new neighborhood. What do you do?  Here are four ways you can get involved and get acquainted with your new neighbors. If you have more ideas, let us know below!

  1. Join a group
  2. Volunteer
  3. Organize an Event
  4. Fill a Need

To see complete story please visit www.TampaHomesSold.com/Nick-Cindy-Davis-Blog.aspx

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