You decided to sell your home and the time has come to open you home to potential buyers. Whether it’s an open house or a individual showing appointments, below is a list of to-do’s you can complete to display your home in the best possible light.
Home Showing Checklist
Complete a deep clean of the home, including the floors, baseboards, windows, appliances, bathrooms, counters and more.
Set the temperature to a comfortable level depending on the season and weather.
Open all curtains and blinds to let in light.
Air out the house and ensure there are no lingering odors.
Bake fresh bread or cookies 20-30 minutes before the showing or open house.
Rearrange furniture to improve foot traffic and flow throughout the house, if necessary.
Sweep and power wash your driveway, walkways, and lanai.
Mow the lawn, trim hedges and trees, pull weeds and rake leaves.
Simplify decor and keep it natural.
Declutter bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathrooms to help rooms look larger.
Remove about half the items, like photos, kid’s drawings, notes and mementos from around the house.
Add colorful throws or pillows to furniture to brighten up a room.
Lock up or entirely remove any private effects or valuables.
Check for leaks under all sinks and repair.
Remove personal toiletries and hang fresh hand towels in all bathrooms.
As always, for all your Real Estate needs in the Sarasota Area Call or Text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
When selling your home, Fido shouldn’t be seen … or smelled. Here are the top recommendations Realtors® make to pet-owning clients putting their house on the market (in order of most-suggested):
Take animal out of home for showings (78%)
Replacing anything damaged by pet (72%)
Cleaning home to remove animal scent (70%)
Having home professionally cleaned (61%)
Removal of pet objects (47%)
Replacing carpet or finishing floors (33%)
SOURCE: National Association of Realtors® report “Animal House: Pets in the Home Buying and Selling Process” (April 2020)
I hope this information keeps you informed and I thank Florida Realtors for allowing us to share this.
Have a Great Day!
As always, for all your Real Estate needs in the Sarasota Area Call or Text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
Are you a permanent Florida Resident and homeowner?
If you are, have you filed for the Florida Homestead Exemption?
Sold by Larry Brzostek
Hi, I’m Larry Brzostek with RE/MAX Alliance Group. I can walk you through what the Homestead Exemption is and why it matters to you.
What is the Florida Homestead Exemption?
As a permanent Florida Resident and homeowner, you are entitled to get a homestead exemption on your primary residence. The exemption is a $50,000 reduction of the assessed value of your home which determines your property taxes.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Homestead Exemption?
To be eligible for the Homestead Exemption your home must be your primary residence as of January 1 in the year you are filing. If you rented the property in the previous year, you only could have done so for a maximum of 30 days.
When should I file an application for a homestead exemption?
Your application must be filed between January 1 and March 1. The March 1st deadline is in year you are filing. You can file online in Sarasota County using the Sarasota Appraiser’s site https://www.sc-pa.com and look under Exemptions. If the property you are homesteading is in another county, look under that county’s appraiser site.
What documentation do I need to file for the homestead exemption?
All documentation must show your permanent residence address. You will need: • Valid Florida Driver License or Valid Florida Identification card with the ID number and issue date. • Florida Vehicle registration (if vehicle owner) with tag number and issue date. • Voter registration (if registered voter) with ID number and issue date.
If you are not a citizen, you will need your Permanent Resident Alien Card with ID number and issue date. (Also, you must submit a copy will be as part of the exemption application).
What other information is on the exemption application?
You will also have to provide the following: • Date of birth • Social Security Number (if you are married, you will also be required to provide your spouse’s SSN) • Date you purchased the property • Date you occupied the property • Address of previous residence • Address of other property or properties owned • Telephone number • Employment information (if applicable) • Mailing address listed in last IRS tax return
Married couples filing for homestead exemption must complete the application during the same application session. If you are married AND your spouse is NOT filing for homestead exemption, you will be asked to provide the following information:
• Name of spouse • Spouse’s Social Security Number • Spouse’s Date of birth • Spouse’s Florida Driver License or Florida Identification Card number (if applicable) • Spouse’s primary residence address & residency-based exemptions/discount information
In addition to the homestead benefit the Save Our Homes (SOH) cap was established in 1995 according to Florida Statutes. The SOH cap is placed on the Assessed Value the year after the property receives a Homestead Exemption and is based on the lower of the following:
Three percent of the Assessed Value of the property for the prior year, or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means your taxes will not increase by more than 3% in any given year.
In 2008 a constitutional amendment was passed adding portability of the exemption; allowing some or all of the exemption to be transferred to another home. Very beneficial to a homeowner who trades up to a larger home or one who downsizes to a smaller one.
Do you qualify for additional homestead exemptions in Sarasota?
To find out if you qualify for additional homestead exemptions, Contact the Property Appraiser’s office in the county that your property is located.
Hopefully this information will help you. Happy homesteading!
For more information Call or Text me @941-993-3125 And Checkout my Website LarrySellsSarasota.com
To earn top dollar and sell your home more quickly, you need to make it stand out from the competition. And one of the best ways to do that is through staging.
4 Reasons to stage 1. Your home will shine online. Buyers first found 92% of the homes they visited on the internet. Good staging can make your home stand out before buyers even visit. 2. It shows off the potential. 77% of agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home. 3. It spurs walk-throughs. Clients are more willing to walk through a home that has been staged, according to 40% of agents. 4. Your home will sell faster. Nearly two-thirds of agents say staging decreases the amount of time a home spends on the market.
6 most important rooms to stage 1. Living Room 2. Master bedroom 3. Kitchen 4. Outdoor space 5. Dining room 6. Bathroom
“Staging is preparing a home for sale so the buyer can mentally move in.” Barb Schwarz, California Realtor and chairwoman of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals.
Simple fixes agents recommend Declutter – 93% (“Clutter eats equity.” says Barb Schwarz.) Full home cleaning – 89% Carpet cleaning – 81% Remove pets before showings – 80% Make minor repairs – 75% Depersonalize the home – 72% Paint walls – 68%
Cost of professional staging Most stagers charge $300 to $600 for an initial consultation, then $500 to $600 per room per month.
Sources: NAR 2017 Profile of Home Staging, Househunt.com, realtor.com, Barb Schwarz
I hope this information keeps you informed and I thank Florida Realtors for allowing us to share this.
Have a Great Day!
As always, for all your Real Estate needs in the Sarasota Area Call or Text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
Right now, there are not enough houses for sale, with many buyers looking at a small inventory. So, if you’re thinking about selling your home, now is the ideal time to put your house on the market. Many houses are selling above their asking price, which means more money in your pocket.
But how do you sell your home?
First you meet with a real estate professional. There is no commitment required on your part for an initial meeting. It will be educational and help you identify your next steps.
I’m Larry Brzostek a Broker/Associate with Re/MAX Alliance Group and I will guide you through the process.
Establish a Price As your agent I will provide a market analysis, which will help you set an asking price.
Tips on Strategic Pricing It’s important to review the market analysis and consider your home price objectively.
Prepare Your Home View your home through the eyes of the buyer and ask yourself what you’d expect. I will offer some useful suggestions.
List It For Sale When everything is in place, I will put your home in the Multiple Listing System. It’s critical for potential buyers to view your home.
I will also create a virtual tour of your home along with a youtube video. Social media is another important tool and your home will be posted regularly.
Getting your home the most exposure:
I use Adwerx a web company that places your home on Facebook as well as throughout the web on both desktop and mobile devices.
Open Houses are scheduled at your convenience (usually on weekends) but are not always necessary to sell you home.
Tips on Showings I like to give my seller’s at least 24 hours notice for a showing
However, Potential buyers may ask to see your home on short notice. It’s best if you can accommodate these requests. You never want to miss a potential sale.
Offers and Negotiation If everything goes well, a buyer (and most often the agent who represents them) will present me, your agent, with an offer.
I will present the benefits and risks of each offer. You will have the opportunity to either accept or counter any offer based on its merits.
Under Contract At this point, you and the buyer have agreed to all of the terms and conditions of the offer and both parties have signed the agreements.
Final Details While under contract the buyer will work with their mortgage provider to finalize the loan and perform other due diligence.
Inspection Tips The buyer will usually perform a physical inspection of the home. They may even ask you to make certain repairs. I will explain all your options regarding the inspection.
Closing This is the transfer of funds and ownership. Depending on when the buyer moves into the home, you will need to be all packed up and ready to move.
CONGRATUALTIONS! You’ve successfully sold your home.
Thinking of Selling? I can help! Contact me and let’s talk! Call or Text me @ 941.993.3125
Have a Great Day! Larry
As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
Location! Location! Location! Sarasota, Florida is accessible, close to airports and major highways. It is one of the most beautiful locations in the USA. Magnificent Beaches, Arts and Entertainment are all here in this Paradise on the Gulf Coast!
I’m Larry Brzostek a Broker/Associate with Re/MAX Alliance Group and I will guide you through the process.
Types of Property A second home can be a single family home, a condominium or a multifamily with 2 or more units (adding the possibility of rental income Each type of property has its own pros and cons. Consider carefully how you will use the property. If you like to work on your home, choose a single or multi-family. If you prefer all maintenance to be done for you, then a condominium with a monthly maintenance fee Deciding what you like and how you will use it should give you direction in your search.
Consider how you’ll use the home. Will it just be for family and friends, or do you plan to rent it as well? And realistically, how many times will you use it per year?
Evaluate locations. Are there enough amenities and attractions to keep you – and renters – coming back year after year? Local building and zoning codes should be investigated. Are they restrictive or nonexistent? Does the property conform to the codes and can the property be rebuilt in event of damage. These are important questions.
Availability and Inventory In this fast changing Real Estate Market it is important to know what homes are available. Its is also important to Get prequalified (a loan approval for a certain dollar based on finding an acceptable property) cuts down on the closing time.
Negotiating Once you have found the property that suits your needs, negotiating the transaction can make it yours. The more questions you ask (and get answers to) the more able you are to sketch out an offer that will be acceptable to the seller. Every real estate transaction has 3 elements – Price, Terms. and Conditions. Neither buyer nor seller always gets all three. For example, a buyer willing to meet the seller’s price might want concessions on the terms (ex. large mortgage contingency, later closing) and/or conditions (repairs to property, extra items included). How long a property is on the market is not confidential and may give you some insight to make a win-win proposal for both parties.
Financing and Tax Considerations Talk to your accountant or financial advisor This person can advise you on such issues as the tax implications of rental income (should you decide to rent your property and changes in Federal tax laws that could impact deductions.
Working with an Agent I am a professional Real Estate agent and make my living marketing and selling properties.
Knowledge: Knowing the Comps (comparable properties that are listed and more importantly, comparable properties that have recently sold) can be critical in your decision on the offer you make on the property.
Experience: I’ve been selling second homes and vacation properties since 1986 starting on Long Beach Island, NJ and Here in Sarasota, FL since 2005.
Dependability: I am always available to meet the needs of my clients No location or town is perfect; a successful agent knows the pluses and minuses of the area. A good agent can help you find your dream house; a great agent can make it a pleasure!
Service: Expect outstanding service and GET IT!
Check out my website LarrySellsSarasota.com Look around you can search for properties and find more information about Sarasota and much more
CONGRATULATIONS! You are a Second Home Owner
For more information Call or Text me @941-993-3125
As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
Memorial Day to Labor Day is peak moving season with more than 65% of relocations happening during the summer months. Take the stress out of your move with these tips from the Professional Movers Association of Florida.
7 Tips for a Smooth Move
Plan your move in advance so you have time to evaluate your options, and make a decision based on overall value (quality low stress move, insurance/valuation to protect your move).
Confirm that each mover considered carries commercial general liability insurance, automobile liability, cargo liability and workers’ compensation. This can be verified by a certificate of insurance.
Check if the moving company is licensed by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by visiting floridaconsumerhelp.com.
Get a written estimate from several movers and compare them. The estimate should be based on an actual in-person or virtual inspection of your household goods. Estimates and Contract for Services must include: – Name, telephone number, physical address and state registration number of the mover. – Date the contract or estimate was prepared and proposed date of the actual move. – Appropriate pickup and delivery address, name and telephone numbers of the shipper. – Name, telephone number and physical address where the goods will be held, if necessary. – Itemized breakdown, description and total of all costs and services provided. – Acceptable forms of payment available.
Determine if the company is a moving broker or moving company. A broker arranges for the transport of your household goods for a fee and sells your move to a moving company – which significantly reduces a consumer’s available funds for the actual cost of the relocation services. Often, the consumer is not aware their move is being sold to another company.
Check your homeowners or rental insurance policies for moving coverage.
Accidents happen, even with the best movers. Discuss valuation with your mover; know the difference between released value at 60 cents per pound and full value protection.
Source: Florida Realtor magazine
Have a Great Day! Larry and Ann
As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
Home Buying – Secrets for a Stress Free Transaction
Lay Groundwork Discuss the type of home you are looking for including style, price and location.
Work with an Agent I will guide you through the process every step of the way. The Seller usually pays the real estate commission for their agent and the buyer’s agent. I will be there to help you succeed.
Communicate Ask questions if something is confusing ask about it before you sign. Be direct with your team and speak up if you don’t like something.
Be Flexible Circumstances always change. Besides your financial capabilities almost everything else is beyond your control. Any Questions? Call or Text me @ 941.993.3125
Have a Great Day! Larry
As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
Happiness Owning your own home is great! Fix it up, get a dog or cat, plant a tree… Make it your own!
Tax Savings Get excellent tax benefits and deduct the interest paid on your mortgage and other home-related expenses.
Appreciation Home values usually go up over time which becomes equity when you sell.
Equity Part of your monthly payment goes toward the principal balance of your loan, which builds equity.
Roots Homeowners stay in their homes four times longer than renters, helping them build ties in their community.
Education Homeowners’ students earn higher test scores and graduate at a higher percentage than those of renters.
Thinking of Buying a home? Contact me and let’s talk! Call or Text me @ 941.993.3125
Have a Great Day! Larry
As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
