Top restaurants in Davie FLIf you’re a foodie looking at Davie FL homes for sale, this blog post is for you.  There are many excellent restaurants in Broward County, but you’ll find a nice assortment right in Davie.  It’s tough to choose the top restaurants since everyone’s taste is different, so I decided to go with popular opinion.  These are some of the top restaurants as ranked by the TripAdvisor website.

LaSpada’s Original Hoagies

If you want a new experience in hoagie heaven, try LaSpada’s on South University Drive.  They pride themselves on using rolls baked at an Italian bakery, top quality meats and cheeses sliced for each order and fresh vegetables.  They’re a popular destination for a casual meal or for a carryout for tailgating fun.

Vienna Café & Wine Bar

Located on West State Road 84, this café is a local favorite and has been recognized by OpenTable and Zagat.  Their menu focuses on classic European dishes with some American regional specialties.  Chef Per Jacobsen is from Denmark originally, and has a long history of culinary training and successes; he opened the Vienna Café & Wine Bar in 1999.  Today, the wine cellar offers 160 selections, with 20 varieties served by the glass.

Kristof’s Kafe

Kristof’s is the place many people go for breakfast or lunch to relax in a homey setting while enjoying fresh and unique dishes.  For breakfast, their specialties include strawberry-stuffed and banana pecan French toast.  Lunch offers a selection of delicious salads, ranging from crispy chicken to seared tuna.  They’re conveniently located on West State Road 84.

Mission BBQ

Mission BBQ, located on South University Drive, opened in 2011.  They created their recipe after extensive travel across the U.S. and their customers think they got it right.  Their menu includes brisket, pulled pork and chicken, baby-back ribs, sandwiches and kid’s meals.    If you’re having a party, they’ll prepare a “pick up pack” so you can enjoy barbeque for a crowd.  The restaurant is also known for its patriotic theme and its philosophy of giving back to men and women in uniform.

Ally’s Comfort Café

Looking for an outstanding home-cooked meal?  Many folks in town would send you over to Ally’s.  One commenter on TripAdvisor said it best, “Best home cooking this side of home!”  From its location on West State Road 84, Ally’s serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week.  The breakfast menu is extensive.  The lunch menu offers sandwiches of all varieties, hamburgers and salads, along with other things like fish and chips and gyro sandwiches.

Tijuana Taxi Co

If you have a hankering for Mexican food, you can’t go wrong at the Tijuana Taxi Co on South University Drive.  It’s a lively place that is open for lunch and dinner.  It’s also a popular meeting place to enjoy after-dinner margaritas.  The menu includes all of your favorite Mexican dishes, and a variety of house specialties.   There’s even a kid’s menu that leans more toward chicken fingers and grilled cheese sandwiches, although the Chiquito Palomilla, flame-grilled skirt steak, is a house favorite.

Shinju Japanese Buffet

The Shinju Japanese Buffet in Davie is located on South University Drive.  They pride themselves on offering some of the freshest Sushi and seafood buffet in Florida.  If you’re looking for Sushi, Hibachi, Chinese or seafood, you’ll find it on their extensive buffet.  Comments on TripAdvisor raved about the freshness of the ingredients and the friendliness of the wait staff.

Pizza Heaven

If you’re in the mood for a great pizza, it makes sense to go to Pizza Heaven.  Located on Weston Road, this family owned and operated restaurant gets high marks for having the best pizza in town.  Besides pizza, you’ll also find soups, salads, and traditional Italian fare including spaghetti, veal dishes and more.  They’re also known for a friendly staff and many times, a visit from the owner to ensure that your meal is exactly to your liking.

Le Café Francais

Also located on South University Drive, Le Café Francais prides itself on being a throwback to old French cuisine.  When you want a leisurely meal accented by white tablecloths and napkins, Le Café is an excellent choice.  They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Appetizers include escargots and French onion soup that diners love.  Entrees include beef, duck, and fish offerings prepared in the authentic way by French chefs.

I’ve discovered that thinking about the top restaurants in Davie FL makes me very hungry!  If you’re a foodie moving to Dave FL, you won’t be disappointed.  If my team and I can help you buy or sell a Davie home, just call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email.  We’re experienced, professional local real estate experts who can help you complete a successful real estate transaction.

 

You’ll find many opportunities to look at new construction among Davie FL homes for sale.   Buying new construction can be very exciting – you’ll have the opportunity to tailor the home to your needs and desires.

However, there’s something you need to consider if you’re planning to buy new construction.  Home buyers sometimes think that they don’t need their own real estate agent if they plan to buy a new construction home.  After all, every builder has its own representatives.

However, buying new construction isn’t as simple as you might think.  Without your own representation, you may end up buying a home that isn’t a perfect fit.  There are many more issues to consider besides having the ability to tailor your new home to your family’s needs.  Here are five reasons why you’d want a buyer’s agent to represent you.

  1. Your Agent Can Guide You to the Right Builder and Neighborhood

When you visit a new home development, the builder’s representatives are very knowledgeable about their homes.  However, you can’t expect that representative to delve into your needs and compare their homes to the homes offered by other builders or neighborhoods.  Your agent can work with you to define your needs and choose the builders and neighborhoods that best meet your requirements.

  1. Your Agent Can Help You Choose Upgrades and Plan Changes

Your agent understands how the construction industry works in terms of finalizing the plans for your new construction home.  Some builders are very flexible with changes, while others aren’t.  Some upgrades should be purchased when the home is purchased.  On the other hand, you can do some upgrades more easily and cost effectively with your own professionals after the build.  Your agent can also point out the pros and cons of different types of plan changes.

  1. New construction homesYour Agent Can Negotiate for You

Your agent will know when you can negotiate on extras or upgrades, and when you’re likely up against the builder’s best price.  For example, even something as simple as the type of paint can often be open to negotiation.

  1. Your Agent Can Advise You on Selecting a Lender

Builders will often promote their preferred lender.  However, you need to review all of your options to ensure you’re getting the best type of financing for your needs.  Your agent can give you a broader view of your financing alternatives.

  1. Your Agent Will Ensure that the House and the Paperwork is Done Properly

As in any real estate transaction, buying new construction has its own set of paperwork, starting with the contract and then building from there.  Your agent is an expert in ensuring that the paperwork is structured to protect your interests.

In addition, just because your home is new, that doesn’t mean that it will be perfect.  You’ll need to arrange for a home inspection before closing just as you would with a resale home.  New home defects can be just as frustrating and expensive to repair as defects an inspection might find in an older home.

Final Thoughts

It’s always a good idea to have your own representation when you’re buying a home, but it’s even more important if you’re buying new construction.  The builder’s representative is required to protect the interests of the builder.  For example, that representative wouldn’t be doing their job if they offered you discounts unless you negotiated for them.

You’ll have questions, and you’ll want a trusted advisor who can help you find the right answers.  Having a buyer’s agent to represent you is the best way to ensure a successful build.  If you have questions or want to talk to one of our local experts about new construction in the area, call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email.  We’ll help you make the new construction process a breeze!

 

 

Teri Arbogast Team Davie FL Homes for SaleWe specialize in Davie FL homes for sale, and Broward County homes for sale in the Cooper City, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise and Weston communities.

Jai-Alai (pronounced “hi ‘ lie”) is billed as the world’s fastest sport.  Davie residents are less than 10 miles away from live matches of the sport at the Casino at Dania Beach, Florida.

What is Jai-Alai?

Jai-AlaiJai-Alai is a sport that looks a bit like racquetball, but more difficult and faster.  In addition, rather than a paddle, players use a cesta, which is a Spanish word for basket.  It’s a long basket made from reeds, and players use it to catch and return a ball.

The court that is used for play is similar to a racquetball court.  It has three walls; the ball is hurled toward the front wall at speeds close to 200 mph.  The front wall is made of granite, since that is the only material strong enough not to break during play!

The game comes from the Basque Country of Northern Spain, where it was invented almost four centuries ago.  In 1904, the United States first saw Jai-Alai played at the St. Louis World’s Fair.  Today, Jai-Alai is only played in Dallas, Texas and in several locations in Florida.  As you might imagine, it’s a fast moving sport, and you’ll be amazed at how the players use exceptional skill to win their matches.  If you enjoy a game of chance, you can even place bets on the outcomes.

The Casino at Dania Beach

Jai-Alai matches take place at the Casino at Dania Beach.  The facility can seat 5,600 spectators.  You’ll typically be able to attend matches on Wednesday and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.

While you’re there, you can eat casually at the Orange Bear Grill or take advantage of the gourmet buffet at the Luxe.  There are also a number of lounges on the property.  The Casino hosts entertainment for adults, although some entertainment is suitable for kids of all ages.

The Casino offers Las Vegas style play – you can try your hand at one of the 900 slot machines and electronic table games including Blackjack, Roulette and Craps.  The Card Room attracts the more skilled gamers, offering everything from $20 to $10,000 minimum buy-in tables for 3 Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em games.

Live music and comedy bring many people to Dania Beach.  You’ll find entertainers such as The Coasters and the Johnny Rogers Band, who present a history of rock and roll for all ages.  Comedy acts are also performing, some of which are for ages 21 and up.

If you’re thinking of buying one of our Davie FL homes for sale, you’ll hear a lot about family-friendly activities in the area.  It’s true that there are many things for the whole family to enjoy in Davie and Broward County.  But, if you’re also interested in nightlife, you won’t find the Davie area lacking!

Let us know if you’re planning to buy or sell in the Davie area.  The local experts on Teri’s Real Estate Team consistently provide first-class service.  Our testimonials speak for themselves.  In fact, our Average Rating on Zillow is a “5,” and you can’t get any better than that!

 

Teri Arbogast Team Davie FL Homes for SaleWe specialize in Davie FL homes for sale, and Broward County homes for sale in the Cooper City, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise and Weston communities.

Davie FL homes for saleDavie FL Home Design Trends are in hot demand.  You may not be ready to sell, but you may feel like you’d like to put some new life into your home.  Here are some tips for updating your home using the latest decorating trends.

  1. Navy Rules

Navy blue is turning up everywhere.  For example, navy blue kitchen cabinets with white countertops and silver accents, for door and drawer handles, works to create a modern but appealing kitchen design.  In fact, some designers are using navy for the kitchen island and a lighter color for other cabinets.

If you already have white countertops, all you need is a bit of paint.  If you’re considering changing the countertops, consider quartz.  It’s almost maintenance free because it resists stains and scratches.  It also doesn’t need to be sealed like other types of stone.

  1. Kitchen Islands Still Popular

Kitchen islands are very useful and they’ll probably be in style over the long-term.  They provide additional seating space and encourage more than one cook in the kitchen due to the extra prep space.  You can customize yours with open shelving and charging stations.

Another alternative for charging your various devices is to install a drawer that holds electrical outlets.  Your counters can stay clear while you prepare your phones and tablets for use.

  1. Pantone’s Color of the Year is Perfect for Florida Homes

For 2017, Pantone chose a green color called Greenery as the color of the year.  It’s perfect for Florida’s indoor/outdoor lifestyles.  If you’re looking for a bold change, try painting the walls of your room in a shade of Greenery, then include other color accents to bring the room to life.  Navy and Greenery go very well together, bringing a fresh outlook to any room.

  1. Ideas for Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms continue to be turned into spa-like getaways.  You could consider the use of a freestanding tub to create a focus for the room.  Claw foot tubs are always popular, but there are also very modern designs that almost look like a work of art.

Frameless shower doors have been popular lately.  Another trend to consider is the “curb less” shower.  Proponents of this design point out that a shower is safer when you don’t need to step into it.  In addition, new construction methods make adding a curb less shower much easier than you might think.  The other great thing about them is the clean look you can achieve to set your bath apart from the rest!

Another trend you’ll see is the move to larger tile in the bath.  People seem to like the uninterrupted look and cleaning is easier with fewer grout lines.  Tiles today can range from 12×24 inches up to 18×36 inches in size.

  1. Accent Walls are Making a Statement

Another trend that can help brighten up a room is an accent wall.  Traditionally, homeowners painted one wall a relatively bold color to bring depth into a room.  Today, accent walls are made from a variety of materials.  Shiplap is being called passé by some, but it’s still very popular for those who want more rustic charm.  Other accent walls use 3D wall panels to add texture.  3D panels come in a variety of designs; some are geometric while others mimic the waves of the ocean.  If you’re big into do-it-yourself projects, you’ll find peel and stick panels that you can paint to match your décor.

When you’re ready to make a move, keep the local experts on Teri’s Real Estate Team in mind.  I can’t tell you that we’re all interior design experts, but I can tell you that our team is highly rated.  Check it out for yourself – we’re proud of the service we provide.  If you have questions about Davie real estate, feel free to give us a call at 954-242-8030 or contact us online.

Things to do in Davie FLIf you’re planning to purchase one of our lovely Davie FL homes for sale, you might be wondering how you could get involved in the community.  If you already live in Davie, you may be familiar with the Old Davie School facility, but you may not know that it’s more than a museum!

 

The Museum’s History

The Old Davie School Historial Museum collects, preserves, interprets and educates people about the heritage, culture, and history of the Davie community and western Broward County.  In 1984, the David School Foundation was created to restore the school building.  The Town of Davie, the Broward County School Board, the Davie Historical Association and the Soroptimist International of Davie (a global women’s organization) support the Foundation.

The School was designed by August Geiger, one of Florida’s prominent architects.  It opened in 1918 with approximately 90 students.  Since that time, the school building has been used as a town hall, dance hall and office space.  Today, the property consists of a restored schoolroom in the original schoolhouse building, a renovated Pioneer Home, and two 1912 homes that were brought to the site for display.

The Museum Today

The museum lets you visit the area’s history and agricultural past.  Its artifacts, maps and photographs take you back through the history that formed the community known as The Town of Davie.  Tours are by appointment only.

Public and private schools, groups of homeschoolers and civic organizations often take advantage of the tours.  If you need funding for a tour, ask about the School Board of Broward County’s Supplemental Arts and Sciences Program (SASP) for your area.

Things to Do in Davie FL: Old Davie School Historical Museum

There’s a lot of things to do in Davie.  If you’re looking for Davie FL homes for sale, the local experts on the Teri Arbogast Team can tell you about many other reasons why Davie is a great place to live.  Call us at 954-242-8030 or contact us online for more information.

 

If you were born in the later years of the Millennial generation, you may be thinking about becoming first-time homebuyers.  And, if you’re like many Millennials, you graduated from college, got a high-paying job and saved your money.  You don’t want to buy a starter home – you want a home with lots of room for expanding your family, high-end finishes and all the comforts you got used to in your parent’s home.

The difference between you and other first-time homebuyers is that you’re going to be making a significant investment.  These tips can help you protect that investment and prepare for your future.

  1. Know the difference between what you can afford and what you’re comfortable paying.

A common mistake first-time homebuyers make is that they aren’t realistic about what they can afford.  Or, more importantly, the percent of their budget they want to spend on a mortgage and related expenses.

You may be get approved by a bank for a $400,000 loan, but when you do the math, you discover that loan won’t leave you enough discretionary dollars to do the other things you want to do.  Start your home search by deciding what percent of your take-home pay you want to spend on your home each month, and look for homes in the price range that will make you comfortable.

  1. Identify a realistic view of the cost of home ownership.

When you consider your monthly obligation, make sure to account for utilities, maintenance and HOA  fees.  Don’t want to cut the lawn yourself?  Add the cost of a monthly service to your mortgage payment.  Once you become a homeowner, you’ll experience all the little maintenance issues that come up.  Be sure you plan ahead to cover those expenses without ruining your financial plan.

To get a feel for the type of home that fits within your “want to spend” dollar limit, use the internet to look at Davie FL homes for sale or those in the surrounding areas before you start looking in person.  You can create a personal Davie area MLS home search account that will let you save searches in various price brackets.  Keep in mind that you need to look at the information coming directly from the official up-to-date source, the MLS.  Zillow Zestimates are flashy, but historically they’ve proved to be extremely inaccurate.

Those saved searches will make it much less time consuming when you want to look at set of search results.  In addition, you can save homes in your account’s favorites to keep track of homes you find attractive.  You’ll even get email updates when homes that meet your criteria first hit the market.

With this information, you can make informed decisions.  If getting your dream home will be slightly higher than the budget you set, you can consider if you want to increase your budget considering the things you may need to give up or defer if you do.

  1. Reinforce your negotiating position by getting pre-approved.

Getting pre-approved by a reputable lender is an absolute requirement.  Do it before you start looking at homes.  There are several benefits:

  1. Choose your real estate agent carefully.

There’s a myth in real estate that says all real estate agents are the same, but it’s only a myth.  Especially when you’re purchasing your first home, you’ll need to depend on insight from professionals since you have limited information about the home buying process.

Choose a real estate agent as carefully as you choose your first home.  Relatives or family friends may not have the skills you need to guide you through this process.  Choose an agent you can trust, and ask the tough questions that will ensure your agent meets your needs.  You need an agent who has worked with first-time homebuyers before.  The agent should know the local neighborhoods and be able to help you choose a home and neighborhood that fit your lifestyle.

Buying your first home should be an exciting and fulfilling experience.  If you put careful thought into the financial aspects of purchasing a home and work with an agent who can get you the information you need to make informed decisions, you’ll end up a very happy first-time home buyer.

The real estate experts on The Teri Arbogast Team have extensive experience in working with first-time home buyers.  If you want to explore establishing a relationship with a top real estate agent, call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email for more information.

 

One of the things I love most about working with people looking at Davie FL homes for sale is telling them about all the parks in the area.  We’ve got parks for just about everything.  They give you the chance to get outside and enjoy South Florida’s natural beauty.  In the case of Vista View Park, it’s a great place to relax, work in some fitness training or have fun at the Park’s special events.

Vista View Park Overview

Vista View Park is located on 142nd Street; Orange Drive runs along its south border.  The park covers 272 acres of hills and meadows and offers lots of opportunity for outdoor fun.

Picnic Shelters:  If you’re in the mood for a picnic, there are freestanding picnic areas for you to enjoy on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you’re planning for a crowd, there are eight shelters with picnic tables, grills and electrical outlets.  The different shelters can hold between 20 to 90 people.  You can reserve these shelters online for a small fee.  In fact, if you visit the Park page on the Broward County website, you can see a photo of each shelter along with dimensions and amenities.

Playgrounds:  The Park has two playgrounds.  Both have shade canopies and a variety of playground equipment.

Fitness Trail:  The half-mile loop trail has a variety of fitness stations where you can do a variety of fitness exercises such as lower body warm-ups, standing push-ups and more.

Horse Trail:  Horses are a big part of life for many Davie residents.  The park hosts a two-mile horse trail that runs through the park.  The trail connects to other horse trails that have been established throughout Davie.

Airfield/Paragliding:  The airpark in the Park hosts the Vista View Flyers electric plane club and the ParaGator Paragliding club.  Visitors to the park enjoy watching all the flying machines at play.

Fishing:   If you have a Florida fishing license, you can fish along the shoreline and from the piers in the lake.  The Park encourages catch and release.

Special Events:  Visa View Park hosts a number of special events during the year.  For example, the Park hosts the Annual Vista View 360 Ultramarathon & Relay in January.  Another example is the run/fun walk coming up on September 24, 2017.  It’s called the Teal 5K Run/Fun Walk for Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancer.

The Details:  The Park is open from March 12 through November 4, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.  From November 5, 2017 through March 11, 2018, the hours change to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The only day the Park is closed is on Christmas Day.  Admission is free during the week.  On weekends and holidays, there is a small fee, and Annual Passes are available.  You can reach the Park on Broward County Transit, bus route #16.

What People are Saying:  If you’re interested in what people think of the Park, just take a run over to Tripadvisor to read the reviews.  This Park is #9 out of forty things to do in Davie!

Looking for a Home Near the Vista View Park?

If the Vista View Park sounds like something you’d enjoy, you could live right next door in Imagination Farms on the east or Riverstone on the west.  And, the park is only a short bike ride from neighborhoods like Shenandoah and Poinciana Park.

If you’re planning on looking at Davie FL homes for sale, our community pages can help.  Each one contains information about the neighborhood, and a list of homes currently for sale.

Whether you’re buying or selling, the local real estate experts on Teri’s real estate team are here to give you the knowledgeable and personalized service you need to make your next real estate transaction a success.  Call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email for more information.

 

If you’re planning to buy one of the Davie homes for sale, you’re probably going to be buying in a seller’s market.  It’s not a problem – people do it all the time.  But, there are things you need to know to get the best deal.

What is a Seller’s Market?

Real estate markets are often defined as either a buyer’s market or a seller’s market.  It’s important to keep in mind that these labels change as the market indicators change.  To be a seller’s market, Davie realtors look at several indicator, including:

The Davie FL Real Estate Market is Currently a Seller’s Market

Right now, all three of the indicators above signal a seller’s market.  The number of homes on the market is slowly decreasing, sales prices are increasing slightly and homes aren’t staying on the market as long as they have been in the recent past.

Tips for Buying in a Seller’s Market

  1. Stick to Your Budget

Any time you plan to buy a home, it’s important to get pre-approved by a local lender before you start looking.  That preapproval will help you in negotiations, but it will also tell you the maximum price you should pay for a new home.  In a seller’s market, some people are tempted to continue increasing their offer price if there is competition for a house.  That’s not a bad strategy as long as you don’t offer more than the home is actually worth.  In addition, it’s a good strategy unless you overextend yourself by offering more than you can reasonably afford.

  1. Compile a Firm List of Needs and Wants

When you’re buying in a seller’s market, you need to be very clear about the things you can compromise on and those you can’t.  If you absolutely want your children to be in a specific school district, don’t even bother looking in another one.  If you’d like to have a swimming pool, but could live without it, considering a home without a pool is reasonable.  Don’t be tempted to give up on your “must haves” just because you want to buy a home.  You’ll undoubtedly regret it later.

  1. Set a Flexible Schedule for Reviewing Potential Homes

Things can happen very fast in a seller’s market.  The perfect home you see one day may be sold the next.  Work with a real estate agent who will keep you informed as new homes hit the market and make yourself available for a showing, even on short notice.

  1. Don’t Haggle on Price

If you’ve found the home of your dreams, a seller’s market isn’t the time to try to get a great deal.  If you don’t want to pay list price, keep in mind that there will be others who will.  Make an offer quickly and at market value.

  1. Negotiate Carefully

You may find some advice online saying that you should eliminate all contingencies from the offer.  It’s true that would be very attractive to the seller, but there are some areas where you just shouldn’t compromise.

You need to make the offer contingent on an inspection.  It’s always possible that a home will have hidden problems you need to know about in order to make an informed decision.  You typically need to make the offer contingent on obtaining financing.  Even when you’re pre-approved, you won’t know that the loan will go through until it does.

There are problems that can arise while your loan is in underwritten.  Some of those problems have nothing to do with you.  But, if you’re caught in a position where you must purchase a home and can’t get the financing, you’ll have a much bigger problem than simply losing out on the purchase.

You can do other things to make your offer more attractive.  Perhaps you can offer an earnest money deposit that is larger than the standard.  You might be able to offer the seller a day or two after close before you take possession.  Work with an experienced real estate agent to ensure you make the best offer possible without jeopardizing your interests.

 

When you’re buying in a seller’s market, it’s even more important to choose an experienced real estate agent who knows the local market, like those on the Teri Arbogast Team.  We can help you whether you’re a first-time home buyer, looking for NSU housing or relocating to Broward County.  Call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email for the professional help you need to make your next real estate transaction a rousing success!

We specialize in Broward County homes for sale in the Cooper City, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise and Weston communities, along with the following Davie Florida locations:

 

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As a longtime Davie REALTOR® and resident, I enjoy helping people discover Davie, Florida and all that it has to offer.  This post includes a few news items that will give you a feel for the community and information about Davie’s 4th of July Family Fun Day to help you make holiday plans early!

Special Needs Kids Blossom at Bob Roth’s New River Groves

Bob Roth’s New River Groves has been a landmark in Davie for about 50 years.  The fresh Florida fruit and food stand, located on Griffin Road, is a favorite of locals.  A friend of Roth’s and an amateur gardener, Steven Wain, got the idea to use the space behind the food stand to get special needs kids involved in gardening.

Wain started the group called Horticultural Therapy a couple years ago with a small group of kids from the Broward Academy School for Special Needs.  Today, he works with 25 students from four schools. The kids grow mangoes, papayas, green beans, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, mint and oregano.  They sell their produce at fundraisers and take some home to their families.

The kids love coming to the garden and seeing the results of their efforts.  Teachers are enthusiastic, too. They see the kids increasing their self-confidence, taking responsibility, and learning new things.

Carnival Cruise Lines Love Davie

For the past three years, Carnival Cruise Lines has been building a 44,500 square foot rehearsal studio in Davie. The facility, called Carnival Studios, was completed, and last month more than 500 of Carnival’s performers gathered to rehearse new shows they’ll perform on Carnival’s fleet of 25 cruise ships.

The facility includes eight music studios, five dance studios and offices.  It will act as the creative development hub for Carnival’s entertainment department.  This home base will give them a place to work with top Broadway talent, and headliners from London’s West End and Las Vegas, to name just a few.  They’ll be working on designing innovative new ways to provide shipboard entertainment.

And, I have to believe that the new studio will have a positive impact on Davie’s local economy, too!

Davie-FL.gov Gets a Facelift

If you haven’t visited Davie’s website lately, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.  They gave the site a facelift and it looks great.  You can sign up to be notified about solicitation notices if you want to do business with the city, or information concerning things like special events, sports and general announcements.  You can also sign up for Alerts related to road closures and notices about hurricanes and tropical storms.

There’s a lot of information for Davie residents that you may find useful, such as information about city departments and services, and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department.

Join in for the Town of Davie Independence Day Celebration!

Independence Day is right around the corner.  The town of Davie holds a Family Fun Day on July 4th at Pine Island Park.  There will be special events at the Pine Island Pool throughout the day.  Other activities include rides, craft displays, a petting zoo, face painters, live music and much more! The fireworks display will begin around 9 p.m.

You can also support the Town of Davie clothing, Shoes and Textile Recycling Program by bringing plastic bags to the event and drop them in the recycling truck.  The Program is helping the Town with its commitment to being environmentally friendly, and it helps fund local nonprofits.

 

If you’re thinking of buying or selling homes in Davie Florida and the surrounding areas, the Teri Arbogast Team is always there to assist.  We’re local experts who can help you whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking for a luxury home in Davie.  Call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email for the professional help you need to make your next real estate transaction a rousing success!

We specialize in the following Davie Florida Communities:

Do you want to sell your home, but you’re afraid that getting it into “top dollar” shape will take too much time or money?  Don’t despair.  Here are some easy home staging tips from a top Davie REALTOR® that will help you create a truly competitive Davie home for sale.

 

  1. Update Your Fireplace

A fireplace can be a focal point of a room.  But, if your fireplace screen is dingy, there is an inexpensive and quick fix for that.  Remove the screen and the glass door if it’s attached.   Use a brush to remove any dust from the screen and cover the glass.

Purchase a heat resistant spray paint and, using long sweeps about 18 inches away from the screen, restore the black screen to its former glory.

Many fireplaces can look outdated if they’re surrounded by red brick.  You can quickly update the look of your fireplace by painting the brick.  Use the same color as the walls, or a complimentary color to make the fireplace the focal point that will sell the room.

  1. Give your Kitchen Cabinets a Facelift

Kitchens sell homes.  If your cabinets need an update, you don’t need to replace them from a home staging perspective.  New stain in a trendy shade or a coat of paint is an excellent way to make your kitchen shine.  Combine the new color with coordinating hardware and you can update your kitchen in a flash.

  1. Update Your Kitchen Appliances

Old appliances will make your kitchen look tired, even if you update the cabinets.  The entire kitchen will look like it’s been renovated when you invest in new appliances.  In addition, you’ll get a return on that investment in the sale price of your home.

  1. Make that Wood Paneling Go Away

When buyers step into a room with wood paneling, their first thought is “that has to go!” You can fix the problem by painting the paneling.  If you’d rather cover up the fact that the paneling exists, you can fill the indentations between the panels with wood filler before you paint.

  1. Lighten Up Dark Rooms

Sometimes a room is dark because it doesn’t get much sun.  In a mature neighborhood, overgrown landscaping is often the problem.  Trimming bushes that prevent the light from coming in might be all you need for effective home staging.

In addition, you can paint the room a light color and install can lights in the ceiling to brighten dark corners.  Finish the room with light colored furniture accented with pops of color, and you’ll have a room that contributes to a quick sale.

  1. Give Every Room a Purpose

One of the goals of staging your home is to let buyers see themselves living in the house.  You may have all-purpose rooms, but they’re not helping you sell.  Make sure every room has a purpose, even if you need to start packing some items that would confuse a buyer.

For example, if one of your bedrooms hosts a desk, toy shelves and a twin bed for guests, there’s just too much for a buyer to absorb.  While you have your home on the market, stage the room to be either a guest room, an office or a playroom, but not all three.

  1. Showcase Your Home’s Storage Space

One thing that buyers always look for is whether a house has enough storage.  When buyers see an overflowing closet, they assume that there isn’t enough storage space in the home.  Sometimes homeowners will “remove the clutter” in their rooms by overstuffing their closets, which is the worst thing you can do.

Before you put your home on the market, organize your closets.  If necessary, start the packing process to store infrequently used items in boxes in a storage area.

 

These are just some of the things you can do to prepare your home to sell.  If you have other issues, check with a top Davie REALTOR® like those on the Teri Arbogast Team.  We’re local experts who work quickly and diligently to sell your Davie home in the shortest time possible at the best market value.  Contact us at 954-242-8030 or online today!

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