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: , , ,

September 2015 Item of Value – Great Learning Apps for Your Phone!

September 21, 2015 by

Looking to learn a new language or improve your cognitive skills, memory or focus?  In this month’s Item of Value you will find some fun, interactive brain-boosting Apps for your phone that will help you do just that!  Enjoy!

September 2015 Monthly Item of Value

Filed Under: Florida, Home Buying, Home Selling, Nick & Cindy Davis, nick and cindy davis, RE/MAX, realtors, Tampa

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: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Selling Your Home? 3 Ways to Help Kids Cope

August 24, 2015 by

Selling Your Home? 3 Ways to Help Kids Cope

Selling Your Home? 3 Ways to Help Kids Cope

When preparing children for a move, it’s important to find ways to get them excited about the new house, school and even city they’ll be in after a few months. But don’t overlook the more immediate changes to their lives that begin as soon as you put your home on the market.

Here is what they might be thinking as you begin the home-selling process, and strategies to alleviate your child’s concerns.

  1. “Who is this stranger invading our lives?”
    Your listing agent will become a frequent presence in your home, and your child may see him or her as the catalyst of all the changes to come. Help form a positive relationship between your kids and your agent by getting everyone together over coffee (hot chocolate for the little ones) or dinner.
     
  2. “Where did my stuff go?”
    Staging a home often means prepacking some of a child’s favorite things. Involve kids in packing as much as possible. This gives them an idea of where their toys and clothes have gone rather than fearing they’ve disappeared forever. The personal favorites – a blanket, stuffed animal or even family photos – should be the last to go. It’s easy to store them under the bed during a showing. You can even have your child put them away so he or she will know exactly where they will be when you return from an outing.
     
  3. “Why can’t we go home?”
    Vacating a house for a showing can be disruptive to kids’ schedules. Take them somewhere special so they see it as a treat. A movie, the local bookstore or a special restaurant are all good options.

If possible, it may be a good idea to let your child accompany you on a showing so they understand what visitors are doing when you have to leave your house for a couple of hours. You can also ask your agent to set up a “mock” showing of your current home for your children.

Nick and Cindy Davis are well known for their years of experience. They will have even more ideas on how to make the process of selling your home a positive experience for your child. To contact Nick and Cindy Davis click here. or you can visit www.TampaHomesSold.com to find out more about Nick and Cindy Davis.

 
Filed Under: Advice, Apollo Beach, Ask a Realtor, Brandon, 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, Uncategorized, Veterans, Wesley Chapel Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

7 ways a buyer’s agent makes life easier!

August 17, 2015 by

7 ways a buyer’s agent makes life easier!

As a potential home-buyer, it’s important that you understand the two different types of real estate agents. A seller’s agent looks out for the interests of the person selling the property while a buyer’s agent can serve as your advocate during your home search. Here are just a few reasons to enlist a buyer’s agent’s help.
 

1. They save time
These days, you can glean tons of information (not all of it accurate) on your own from the Internet. An agent can use their experience and expertise to streamline your search, guiding you to the properties that are truly appropriate and eliminating legwork on your end.
 

2. They have the inside scoop
Thanks to their professional network, agents often know of properties before they hit online listing sites.
 

3. They keep you in check
Shopping for your next home can be an emotionally charged, overwhelming experience. A buyer’s agent can help you keep your main objectives – and financial limitations – in mind as you sift through properties with alluring features.
 

4. They a have team of experts on speed dial
An agent can save you time, heartache and dollars by connecting you with trusted service providers such as painters, inspectors and insurance brokers.
 

5. They play hardball
Buyer’s agents are professional negotiators, with the skills and experience needed to get a fair price for you.
 

6. They don’t get paper cuts
They’ll help you complete all the time-consuming paperwork accurately and on time.
 

7. They’ll be the first to congratulate you when you close
A buyer’s agent will be your advocate at closing, making sure all your interests are protected as you sign that pile of forms at the settlement table.


Interested to learn more about how we can assist with your unique buying needs? Get in touch with us: Nick & Cindy Davis

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

6 Questions to Ask a Potential Listing Agent

August 10, 2015 by

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s important to have a qualified professional by your side to help you navigate the twists and turns. Here are some questions to help determine which listing agent is right for you.

  1. “Where’s the best coffee around here?”
    Although a perfect caramel macchiato isn’t critical to the sales process (though it certainly can’t hurt), your listing agent should have experience in your neighborhood. He or she should have bought and sold enough homes to know the area’s history, pros, cons and quirks, not to mention where the locals head for a good cup of joe.
     
  2. “How will you market my property?”
    Two balloons on a yard sign no longer cut it. Find out exactly how each prospective listing agent plans to reach buyers. A strategy should go beyond holding an open house. If an agent looks baffled when you mention “virtual tour,” it may be time to find someone more experienced in digital outreach.
     
  3. “How many clients do you have right now?”
    Go for the Goldilocks agent, the one with the slate of clients that’s “just right” and can give you the attention and energy you deserve. Even with an assistant, an agent with double-digit clients may not be able to provide the personal focus you require. On the other hand, if you’re an agent’s only client, there’s probably a reason why.
     
  4. “Can I talk to a previous client – or three?”
    Ask for references from clients an agent has worked with in the past six months. Some things to ask: How responsive was the agent during the process? Did the client get their asking price? What could the agent have done better?
     
  5. “How much would you list my property for?”
    Make sure prospective agents can explain their pricing rationale, including showing you comparable sales listings in the area.
     
  6. “What’s your sign?”
    No, not their horoscope. Ask about professional affiliations. When agents are part of the RE/MAX network, they bring with them the power of the company whose agents sell more real estate than any other.

When you’re ready to find an agent, start your search www.TampaHomesSold.com

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