RE/MAX Agents average more sales than other agents

We are RE/MAX agents who cover Tampa and all the surrounding areas. You can always research the agent by drilling down to aspects such as years of schooling, experience, designations and in addition production level -through the internet today. Now this is not the be all way, by any means. One thing to consider is, purchasing your home is probably going to be the single most expensive thing that you will do in your life. Do you really want someone to assist you who is being an agent part time?   Find out more here

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Six Home Maintenance and Repair Do It Yourself Jobs

DIY-6

If you are like Nick you are saying it’s just easier to pay someone to take care of this because I have no idea on what I am doing. Well this can become very costly, really quick. It can be intimidating and seem to complex, but over the years we have learned so much in doing some things ourselves that wound up saving us in the long run.

Simple Home Maintenance Tips

Toilets

Water leaking toilets tank will not only cost you money every month in the utility bill, but it can cause damage to your bathroom floor and wear out the internal parts of your toilet. A simple trick is to add red colored food dye in the water tank of your toilet. Check back in an hour or so and see what color the water in the tank is. If it is pink, you have a leak.  To replace flapper; turn off water valve, which is normally right behind toilet. Remove the lid and flush the toilet to empty the tank out. Use a towel or sponge to mop out any excess water left in the tank. Remove the flush chain from the lever and then slide the old flapper off the overflow tube. Slide new flapper in place, reconnect the chain and then turn water back on.

Washing Machine and Dryer

Regularly checking your washing machine water supply for leaks is so important. One of the top reasons for insurance claims is for water damage caused by supply lines that are leaking. You should inspect the lines at least once a year and replace them at a minimum of every three years if they are plastic. When checking you notice the metal ends are discolored or rusty, replace them immediately.

You should also check to ensure that the drain lines are tightened properly. A pair of pliers or crescent wrench. You should not be able to tighten any further if the line is properly tightened.

With regards to the dryer, it is important to always make sure you regularly clean your lint screen in order to prevent fires. This will also increase the life of the heating element. You can also remove any fabric softener residue by washing the screen in warm water and dish detergent every week or two.

Air Conditioning

Air Conditioners are normally one the most overlooked appliances when it comes to regular maintenance. And one of the mostly costly when it comes to getting them repaired.

You will want to regularly check the condensation line where the water comes out of the house and make sure that you can see water freely flowing from the line. This will ensure that the line is not clogged. If this is not occurring you can attach a Shop VAC to the line and turn it on for 3-5 minutes and attach it to the drain line. You will hear if anything comes out and then remove the Shop VAC and you should notice that the water is flowing freely again.

Air Filters

Change the Air Filter in your central air and heat often, especially during the peak usage months. Usually 30 days in longest you want to go between changing the filters.  Nick puts it on the calendar with the sizes we have in our house, so if he is out he always has the sizes available.

We use the cheap fiberglass filters; which are actually preferred as opposed the HEPA filters for the following reasons: 1. it is more cost effective to use the cheaper ones. 2. The fiberglass filters actually allow for more air flow into the climate controlled unit which will reduce the amount of energy used to effectively cool or heat your home.

Refrigerators

Door Seals are the main thing that you should keep an eye on. By doing this you will reduce the amount of energy it takes to keep your food cool or frozen. This will also keep you refrigerator working more efficiently and prevent premature wear on internal parts.

Easy test for your door seal. Use a dollar bill and close the door on the bill. Then attempt to pull it out with the door closed. If you cannot easily pull the bill out, then your seal is in good shape. If the bill slides out easily, it is time to replace the seals. This is something you can purchase at any local hardware store. Recommendation before heading out the door, take a picture of the tag which has make, and model number of your refrigerator so you show the sales person. This will prevent you from making multiple trips.

If you have a refrigerator with coils along the back, it is recommended that you periodically vacuum the coils to remove dirt and dust build up. The coils contain the coolant that the refrigerator uses to keep the inside temperature cold. If they are dirty, they will not work the way they are supposed to and your refrigerator may stop keeping your food cold.

Hopefully we have given you some very simple DIY tips that even a novice person can accomplish. It really is all about routine maintenance. Which could wind up saving you big money in the long run.  Especially if you are considering selling your house. Remember a buyer will do a home inspection and lack or routine maintenance can add up real quick. Please check back regularly as we are always updating our site with good to know information.  Feel free to email us any comments or questions to NickandCindyDavis@TampaHomesSold.com

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Vacation Home

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Vacation Home

6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Vacation Home

 

Have you and your family fallen in love with a vacation spot and you're wondering whether it makes sense to buy there? Here are some key questions to ask yourself (And keep in mind that a great real estate agent can always help you talk through them!).

  1. Do you really, really love the location?
    It's a good idea to visit the area during the low season. Do you still enjoy it when the ski slopes are green, or when those ocean breezes are too chilly for lounging on the sand?
  2. How often can you get there?
    Calculate how many times a year you'll be able to use the home. Carefully consider the commute as well as your career and family commitments to determine how much time you realistically can spend there relative to the costs of owning and maintaining the property.
  3. Have you talked to the locals?
    Spend some quality time at the local coffee shop or microbrewery and chat with people who live in the area year-round. Ask them what they like, and don't like, about living there – and about any cultural trends they've noticed.
  4. Could you rent your place if you had to?
    Renting out the home when you're not there brings with it a host of other considerations. Does the HOA allow rentals? Would potential renters be interested in the property's amenities, such as a fireplace in a ski town or an inviting deck or patio in a beach community?
  5. What about the taxes?
    Taxes for a second home can be more complicated than those for your primary residence. Talk to a tax pro and learn more about the tax implications for your specific situation, including taxes on rental income if you plan to rent out the place for part of the year.
  6. What's the tab when you're not there?
    Calculate the true, year-round cost of owning the home, including utilities and property management when the home isn't occupied.

Looking for more guidance on vacation properties? Let Nick & Cindy Davis assist you.

4 Resources for First-Time Homebuyers

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.

7 Features That Date Your Home

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.

7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Buying or Selling a Home

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

“Does it Come With The House?”

“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.

6 Questions to Ask a Potential Listing Agent

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

 

5 Reasons Homes Don’t Sell (and How to Address Them)

5 Reasons Homes Don’t Sell (and How to Address Them)

It can be stressful to see your home languish on the market while others in your neighborhood are moving quickly. A home that isn’t selling can cost you time and money, not to mention your sanity.

Here are 5 reasons your home may not be selling, and advice for addressing them.

  1. Pricing
    Of course you want to sell your home for as much as possible. But an overpriced home can turn away even the most eager buyers. On the flipside, if you repeatedly reduce the price, buyers can see it as a sign of your desperation to sell – prompting them to submit even lower offers. Your listing agent can help you come up with a price comparable with other properties in your neighborhood. A professional home appraiser may also be able to help.
  2. Timing
    If possible, hold off on selling until the main buying seasons in the spring and summer. If you must sell during an off-peak time, you can still attract serious buyers – but you'll need patience and ways to sweeten the deal.

To offset bad timing, you might offer incentives such as paying some or all of the buyer's closing costs. To pique interest among real estate agents and brokers, consider offering a selling bonus above the standard commission. Just make sure you stipulate it’s available only if the agent brings a full-price offer to the table or closes the sale on your preferred date.

  1. Location
    If a poor or unsafe location is preventing your home from selling, you may have better luck generating interest among buyers by adding new security measures. Consider installing an alarm system, outdoor lighting and gates or fences.

Additionally, promote any practical and safe features of the location such as the proximity of public services (fire and police stations). Also offer to introduce prospective buyers to neighbors you know. This can provide a sense of community and make them feel welcome.

  1. Condition
    Investors and buyers with home improvement skills look for bargains, so they will typically offer less for a home that needs a new roof, has faulty plumbing or electrical systems, structural problems or that needs a lot of cosmetic work. The more repairs you make before buyers view the home, the more likely you are to receive competitive offers. It’s usually cheaper to do the repairs yourself than to offer allowances in the closing contract.

Another idea is to purchase a home warranty that covers items that break down after the sale. This gesture gives prospective buyers additional peace of mind about the home's condition.

  1. Marketing
    If everything else is lined up and your home still isn’t selling, it could be due to your marketing. Particularly in a crowded market, its import to make an extra effort to get your home noticed.

Buyers usually go online first to search for homes, so make sure your photos represent your house in all its glory. It’s often a good idea to hire a professional photographer. Also be sure the home description doesn’t skimp on listing all the features, amenities and upgrades. This is where a listing agent can come in handy. They’ll be able to use their professional experience to create a marketing plan that makes your home standout.

Remember, when you're ready to start the process of selling your home, help is just a phone call or email away. Nick & Cindy Davis are standing by. To find out more about us please visit www.TampaHomesSold.com

Multifamily Housing Know the Different Types

Multifamily Housing Know the Different Types

                                                                                                 

The differences between condos, townhomes and co-ops can be confusing when you're a buyer. Use this cheat sheet to help you sort them out.

Condominium
Description: Usually composed of multiple units that are owned by individual residents. Condos are often found in high-rise structures, although they can also be part of lower-profile buildings.

Ownership structure: Condos use a type of joint ownership of real property in which portions of the property (such as hallways) are commonly owned and other portions (the interior units themselves, for example) are individually owned.

Fees: Condo owners pay a monthly or quarterly fee to cover the maintenance and upkeep of common areas, and they usually pay as a group for utilities such as water, garbage removal and cable television.

Townhome
Description: Aside from the fact that owners share a wall or two with their neighbors, townhomes are usually two-story structures that closely mimic single-family homes in terms of physical attributes and ownership.

Ownership structure: Residents own the land under their townhomes, plus the structures themselves.

Fees: Owners typically pay a quarterly or annual fee for the maintenance and upkeep of common areas (such as lawns and swimming pools).

Co-op
Description: Co-ops look like condos structurally, but the ownership is configured much differently.

Ownership structure: Residents become “shareholders” of the corporation, and are not actually owners of the property itself. They buy shares in a housing corporation, and, in turn, earn the right to reside in the building.

Fees: The shareholders elect a governing board, which determines an annual operating budget, collects monthly maintenance fees and allocates funding for property improvements.

Not sure which is right for you? Find a local RE/MAX agent who can guide you through the entire home buying process.

 

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