Are you an empty-nester thinking of downsizing? As a team of top Davie REALTORS®, we’d be glad to help, but we have some advice for you before you make a move.
Some Davie homeowners who have been through the process think they got so focused on downsizing that they didn’t think through all the issues and made a decision too hastily. Here are some of the things to consider when you decide when and how to downsize.
If you’re ready to downsize, there are lots of things to consider. Here are just a few.
A smaller home doesn’t always cost less. If you decide you want a townhome or condominium that echoes the amenities you have in your existing home, the price could be more than you anticipate. In fact, sometimes the smaller home of your dreams could cost more than the home that you’re selling. You’ll need to decide if you want to pay more and get a mortgage or pay less and close with cash.
A smaller home may require new furniture. Room sizes in a smaller home may make the furniture you own now look out of place. Purchasing new furniture can be an exciting opportunity to update your home’s look and feel. Just make sure to include the cost in your moving budget.
Don’t be afraid. Everyone who downsizes goes through the same process of determining what to keep and what to sell or give away. Many people who downsize balance out the cost of acquiring new furniture and décor by selling items they don’t want to take with them. Consider holding garage sales or sell items on eBay.
However, it’s never a good idea to get rid of family heirlooms – if you won’t have room for them, give them away to other family members who will cherish them as you do.
While no one looks forward to decluttering their lives, it will serve two purposes. You’ll need to declutter your home before you sell it, and you’ll decide what’s really important to you in your new surroundings. Just take it one drawer at a time.
Most people who downsize choose a home that needs less commitment than the home they own, but supports their lifestyle, just in a different way. It’s not necessary to go the “tiny-house” route unless that’s really your heart’s desire.
Townhomes and condominiums are popular choices for downsizing for a number of reasons. Many people love the freedom to travel on a moment’s notice without worrying about who will mow the lawn. And, many communities have security that relieves the homeowners from worrying about leaving their home empty. Others are delighted that they can keep their new home clean with minimal effort.
If you plan to age in place, you may want to eliminate stairs. Many Davie condominiums offer one-level living, or a ranch-style single family home would work, also. Review all the Davie townhomes and condominiums for sale to see what’s available on the market. And, if you’re looking for new construction, there are several new communities. For example, one of the Pembroke Pines communities, the Townhomes at Raintree might be of interest to you.
If you’re considering making a move, feel free to call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email. Our team of experts in Davie homes for sale are ready to help you find just the right home for your needs!
You’re ready to sell your home, but you’re hesitating. Your home isn’t in perfect condition. Can you still sell it? The answer is yes, but here are the things you need to consider.
There may be times when you will be forced to sell your home without doing any preparation. For example, if you don’t have the money to fix a leaky roof or make other major repairs, or if your health is failing and you can’t oversee making the repairs, you may decide to sell the house as is. Before making that decision, though, you need to understand what the term “as is” means in the state of Florida.
A common misconception is that if you sell your home as is, the buyer is accepting the home unconditionally, whether they are aware of problems with the home or not. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In Florida, there are disclosure laws that protect real estate buyers. Those laws require that you tell prospective buyers about any existing defects. Therefore, while you may sell your home even if it has some problems, it’s not something you can hide.
As a seller, you must disclose anything about the house that affects its value, even if those issues aren’t easily observable by a buyer. We always suggest that you make those disclosures in writing to create a record you can refer to later. If you simply discuss a problem with the buyer, you’re putting yourself at risk.
Let’s say your buyer discovers a problem after the sale is completed, and doesn’t recall that you mentioned it to them. The buyer can sue and it’s likely they’ll win. Having disclosures done in writing will protect you if things go wrong.
As Davie REALTORS®, we have an easy-to-complete disclosure form that lists the most common types of disclosures that homeowners need to make. We can work with you to determine how to disclose any issues that aren’t already listed on the form.
When a home is listed as is, all that really means is that the owner will not be willing to fix any problems or defects. In a typical sale, the buyer may discover defects through the disclosure, or problems during the home inspection they ordered. In that situation, the buyer and seller will very often work together to get those issues fixed. If a home is sold as is, it indicates that the seller won’t, or isn’t able to, negotiate on making repairs.
Any Davie REALTOR® will tell you that you’re competing with all the other homes on the market that are similar to yours. If there are well-maintained homes for sale in your area, your home won’t bring the same market price. In addition, it will take longer to find the right buyer. Buyers are often wary of a home that looks like it will need a lot of work.
The best strategy for selling your home is to prepare it for sale by fixing any problems you can. Typically, you’ll get the cost of the repairs back because you’ll sell your home for a higher price. Painting the walls in neutral colors, fixing leaky faucets, oiling squeaky doors, replacing tattered weather stripping, freshening tired-looking landscaping, and any other types of minor repairs will make a big difference in how buyers respond to your home.
If your home needs major repairs, you’ll need to decide how best to handle those issues.
We’re top Davie REALTORS®, and we can offer our knowledge and expertise to help you make the best decision possible. Give us a call at 954-242-8030 or send an email for more information!
Most Davie schools will have a two-week winter break toward the end of December. You can make this time together a memorable one if you take advantage of all the kid-friendly things to do in Davie, Florida.
You may think that you’ll need to travel to Fort Lauderdale, but you don’t even need to leave Davie to find great family fun! Here are some examples.
Laser Jump is located at 6555 Nova Drive in Davie. You can visit the location on a walk-in basis and find a wonderland for kids. Make sure your kids are wearing socks – no shoes are allowed in the jump areas. Little ones love the toddler area, older kids can climb on the play structures, jump all over the giant inflatables and play laser tag. Check out the Facebook reviews; it’s a great family activity.
Children of all ages will enjoy trying to figure out how to get the ball down the lane and keep it out of the gutters. You don’t have to be an expert to have fun bowling. Sparez Bowling is located at 5325 South University Drive in Davie.
This year, they’re offering a School Holiday Pass, for two free games every day of the winter break. Ask for more information as there are some restrictions.
Take your kids to see the night sky like they’ve never seen it before. The Broward College Observatory telescopes are located just outside the Buehler Planetarium at the college. When the weather is clear, you can see planets and the moon in amazing detail. Use of the telescopes is free dudring evening observation hours.
The Buehler Planetarium is undergoing a renovation to make your next experience there even more wondrous. It is scheduled to reopen in January of 2017.
If you’re familiar with Marando Farm in Fort Lauderdale, you already know how much fun visiting the Marando Ranch at Davie can be. The Marando family opened the Davie location in October, 2016 as a second location run by the Marando family. The new ranch is located at the site of the former Batten’s Farmer’s Market and Davie Agri-Tourism Center at 5151 Southwest 64th Avenue in Davie.
The Ranch hosts a farmer’s market, pony rides, a petting zoo, and you can pick your own eggs produced by the farm’s free-range chickens.
Visit YAA at 751 SW 121st Ave in Davie. If you want to capture the entire family’s imagination, the YAA is the place to be. YAA is a 55,000 square foot facility just full of amazing exhibits that let you and your kids participate in fun and educational activities. Here are just a few examples:
Living in Davie, Florida gives you and your family everything you could want: great schools, lots of family-oriented activities and beautiful surroundings.
If you’re looking for Davie homes for sale, we’d love to help you find the home that will best match your lifestyle. Use the link above to see all the homes for sale in Davie, or to find out more about hot neighborhoods, including Imagination Farms, Riverstone, Forest Ridge, Poinciana Parc and more.
As you make decisions about buying or selling in Davie, Florida, contact us at 954-242-8030 or send an email. Get the right outcomes working with the best Davie REALTORS® on the Teri Arbogast Team.
If something comes up in the inspection that you weren’t aware of, you can ask the seller to make the repairs. On the other hand, you may wish to have your own contractor make the repair and factor the cost into a purchase price reduction. If it’s a major issue, no one will be more interested in making sure the repair is done right than you will be.
If it’s something that will cost $100 or less, it’s usually best not to bother the seller about it. Remember, don’t try to make money on the inspection of your Davie real estate purchase.
If you want to make a major change to your almost perfect house, you could pay for the renovation yourself. This works out well if you have the funds and don’t need to rearrange your entire investment portfolio to get the money you need.
If you’d like one mortgage to cover both your renovation and the financing of your new home, consider the 203(k) FHA loan. That loan allows you to include the cost of the work you want to have done with your regular mortgage loan. Here’s a summary of some of the things you need to know about the 203(k) program.
The best idea is to work with a professional Davie REALTOR® who can guide you through the decision-making process. There are more considerations than would fit into this blog post! In general, you’d need to address the following types of issues:
Here are just a few situations where this loan could be just what you need:
If you don’t want to use your own money, doing key repairs or modernization projects can require a complex and costly financing approach. Construction or improvement loans often have relatively high interest rates and short repayment times. The 203(k) loan can simplify the process.
The professionals on Teri’s Real Estate Team are experts at making Davie real estate dreams come true. Call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email today. If your dream home just needs a bit of work, we can help you determine if using a 203(k) loan is a good strategy, and guide you through the process.
Save
Save
If you haven’t talked to the best REALTOR® in Riverstone Davie FL, you’re missing one of the Davie area’s hidden jewels. Riverstone offers luxury waterfront estate homes and a lifestyle that can be as quiet or as active as you prefer.
There are just over 300 Mediterranean- inspired homes in Riverstone Davie FL. All but two of the homes are located on the water. The tile roofs and paver driveways, tall arches and exterior design accents create an old-world atmosphere with a modern twist.
Entertaining is easy with the homes’ emphasis on outdoor living, including private pools and outdoor kitchens. However, the community also offers a recreation area with three tennis courts, a basketball court and a party pavilion with its own restrooms for the convenience of your guests.
Lakes and canals run throughout Riverstone. Many homes offer both a private swimming pool and beach access. So, whether you want to play on the sand or lounge by the pool, the choice is yours.
For your security, the entrance to Riverstone has a guard gate that is manned on a 24-hour basis.
You’ll find a variety of homes for sale in Riverstone. Home sizes start with one-story single-family homes of approximately 3,000 square feet of living space. For large families, you’ll find two-story homes that boast up to approximately 6,000 square feet.
Since Riverstone is a family-friendly neighborhood, most of the time you’ll find just as many baths as there are bedrooms. There’s also plenty of parking for the family, since even the smaller homes frequently offer three-car garage spaces. Exteriors are beautifully landscaped and very well maintained.
Riverstone homes welcome you when you first walk in with impressive foyers. Many homes have open floorplans that lead to high-ceilings in the living areas. Many homes have a gathering spot next to the kitchen for keeping an eye on the kids or staying in touch with guests while you’re cooking.
Kitchens in Riverstone are chef-inspired. All the luxury amenities you’d expect, such as granite countertops, walk-in pantries, cooking islands and even open bars are available in most homes. Kitchens in Riverstone homes are meant to be the center of activity with plenty of room for family and guests to roam.
People are attracted to Davie, Florida for a number of reasons. It’s centrally located and family-friendly. In addition, the schools are outstanding, the landscape is beautiful, and the Old West theme of the downtown area makes for a unique and quaint atmosphere. You’re close to Fort Lauderdale’s big-city amenities and Atlantic Ocean beaches.
People who love horses and the outdoors are also attracted to Davie to take advantage of the miles of trails for runners and equestrians. The city maintains lots of open space and parks where the trails weave through a very scenic setting.
If you’re looking for luxury living in a prime location, Riverstone is definitely an area to explore. When you want to work with the best REALTOR® in Riverstone Davie FL, call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email. Several members of Teri’s Real Estate Team can claim that title.
Save
There are differences between buying a single-family home and a townhome or condo. Use these four secrets to make sure you make the right decision for you and your family.
People like townhome living for a number of reasons. Some people enjoy the sense of community in a multi-family neighborhood. Some people are looking for low-maintenance living. Regardless of your reasons to purchase a townhome or condo, one thing you need to recognize is that these types of homes don’t appreciate as quickly as single-family homes.
Therefore, if you’re planning on a long-term stay in your townhome or condo, the rate of appreciation isn’t as critical. But, if you’re a young couple or family looking to move to a single-family home in the near future, make your plans with a realistic idea of how much your home will appreciate over time.
If you’re new to retirement and downsizing to a townhome or condo, recognize that unless you are familiar with community living, you may not stay in a townhome or condo as long as you originally planned.
Consider your long-term plans and how community living will fit.
What’s the difference between a townhome and a condominium? In general, you’ll most often see a townhome defined as a row of single units that share a wall on either side except for the end units. Generally, you’ll see a multi-story building with separate homes on separate floors called a condominium or condo.
It’s important to know that these terms are also used to describe the type of ownership. There are several types of ownership, but these are the most common:
When you’re looking at townhomes and condos, keep in mind that the ownership of a building that looks like a 2-story townhome could fall into the condo ownership category. Make sure you know the type of ownership that’s in any community you visit.
Besides ownership type, there are other facts you need to know about a townhome or condo that are different from the questions you ask when buying a single-family home.
Make sure you have all the information you need about a specific community in order to make an informed decision.
An experienced agent will be able to help you gather the information you need and avoid any potential pitfalls.
The members of Teri’s Real Estate Team are experienced professionals who know the local single-family, townhome and condo markets extremely well. If you’re planning a move, call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email for friendly and skillful representation.
Cooper City Townhomes and Condos
Coral Springs Townhomes and Condos
Pembroke Pines Townhomes and Condos
Pembroke Pines New Construction: Townhomes at Raintree
Plantation Townhomes and Condos
Does this sound like your new home wish list: a family-friendly exclusive gated community with a waterfront lifestyle? If so, you need to look at Imagination Farms Davie FL homes for sale.
Imagination Farms is a good name for this community. When you look at the elegant exterior designs and luxurious interior finishes, you’ll find homes that capture your imagination.
Pasadena Homes developed the neighborhood between 1999 and 2002. The homes range in size from approximately 3,000-5,000 square feet. Many of the homes are completely updated with the latest finishes and amenities. You’ll also find homes with custom swimming pools, and/or backyards ready for outdoor entertaining with outdoor kitchens.
For your convenience, the gate is manned 24/7 and there is an automated application that you can use to manage access to the neighborhood. You can provide a list of approved visitors online. When people come to visit who are on that list, they’ll have no problem gaining access to the neighborhood. A text message will advise you when your visitors have checked in. The system makes the neighborhood very secure without overly burdening you or your guests.
From Imagination Farms, it’s roughly 20 miles to the lights of the big city and all the amenities that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Depending on traffic, you can be having dinner at one of Fort Lauderdale’s famous restaurants in about a half hour.
In addition, Fort Lauderdale is known for its pristine beaches, arts and entertainment, and a variety of special events throughout the year. You can visit a variety of museums, attend a performance at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts or cruise the Everglades on a guided airboat ride.
Closer to home, you have access to all the wonders in Broward County. Davie, Florida is home to the Buehler Planetarium and Observatory, and Flamingo Gardens. There are restaurants for every taste and style nearby. In addition, you’ll find an excellent variety of shopping options.
For outdoor fun, you couldn’t find any place better than the Davie area. Vista View Park is just a stone’s throw from Imagination Farms. Over 270 acres of rolling hills and lush greenery provide a venue for a variety of outdoor activities.
Davie is also known for its equestrian lifestyle. Horse trails wind throughout the area. If you don’t keep your horses at home, you’re in close proximity to boarding stables. Vista View Park even has a corral where your equine companions can rest while you enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
If you need educational opportunities for you or your family members, you’ll have easy access to outstanding K-12 public and private schools, and a variety of colleges and universities such as Nova Southeastern University.
We think you’ll love living in the Davie area. As local experts, we can ensure that you see the Imagination Farms Davie FL homes for sale that will fit your lifestyle. And, if you discover that Imagination Farms isn’t the place for you, we can put our Davie area real estate market knowledge to work to help you find a perfect fit in one of the other outstanding Broward County neighborhoods.
Put your home search into high gear and you’ll be settled in your new home before the holidays. Call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email to get started today.
Everyone knows that spring and summer are peak times for home sales. Most families with children want to make a move before school starts, and in many climates, homes just look a lot better in the warmer weather.
The Florida Climate. In the fall and winter, Davie FL homes for sale aren’t covered in three feet of snow. The trees aren’t bare and the gardens aren’t dormant. From the perspective of curb appeal and ease of showing homes, Florida’s fall and winter seasons are no different from spring and summer.
There’s Less Competition. Since many people think they should only sell in spring and summer, there’s less competition in the fall. Less competition is good for you as the seller because your home has a much better chance of standing out from the crowd. Buyers who are overwhelmed with choices take longer to make decisions.
Buyers are Often More Serious. Spring and summer brings a flurry of activity in the home market. It’s likely that many people who tour your home are just looking.
Summer buyers may want to know how your home compares to theirs to get a feel for the market in case they decide to sell. In addition, they may think about moving if they find the “perfect” home, but they may not be serious buyers. Any buyer looking for perfection will likely be disappointed.
You’ll Stand Out from the Stale Summer Listings. There are always homes that have stayed on the market for months. Those sellers may have priced their home too high, or may not have prepared their home to sell. Buyers are typically suspicious of homes that have been on the market longer than they should. However, when you list your home at a fair market price and prepare it to sell, you’ll have an outstanding advantage.
There’s Still a Deadline. While school is in session, in the fall and early winter, people who want to move usually want to settle in before the November and December holidays. Therefore, timing is still important.
Mortgage Rates are Still Low. As of this writing, mortgage rates are still very low, many below 4%. This is an advantage for you as a seller because financing is still attractive to buyers. In addition, the likelihood is that you will buy another home and can take advantage of the low rates yourself.
If you decide to sell in the fall, here are some tips that will help to make your transaction a success.
Plan for Early Showings. As days get shorter, potential buyers will want to see your home in daylight whenever possible. Get the house ready to show before you leave for work in the morning, not when you get home.
Pay Attention to Curb Appeal. Make sure the lawn looks good, even if it’s slowed down its growth. Take the time to plant winter plants or set out pots of plants that bloom in the fall and winter, such as geraniums, to make your yard look inviting. Make sure attractive outdoor lighting is in place for those buyers who may arrive after sunset.
Sell to Fall Buyers. It’s more likely that millennials and empty-nesters will be looking at Davie homes for sale in the fall. Couples without children don’t need to worry about school districts or starting times. Do whatever you can to sell to those two groups. For example, focus on multiple uses for your rooms. Rather than focusing on four bedrooms, put the image in buyers’ minds that some bedrooms would work well as an office, a study or a hobby room.
If you want to make a move in the fall, make sure you work with local experts who can help you create the most effective home marketing plan. You can trust the Davie REALTORS® on Teri’s Real Estate Team to provide the local market knowledge and real estate expertise you need. Call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email for more information.
Save
Save
For most homeowners in the Davie area, the first day of school for the coming year is right around the corner. It’s always a challenge for the whole family to get back into a school routine. Kids are challenged to reestablish a routine for doing homework after a summer off. Here are some tips for creating a homework station that your kids will enjoy.
Find a place where your kids can devote their attention to homework. If you can create a dedicated homework spot, you’re going to be ahead of the game.
Finally, let your inner child run free when decorating. And, consult your children about their preferences. Would they be happier with bright, fun colors, or feel more studious with a neutral palette?
If the homework station is in general family space such as the kitchen, you’ll have to make some compromises to make the space blend in with your interior design. But, if you’re setting something up in your child’s room or the attic or a separate “homework room,” be sure to create a space where your kids will be motivated to spend some quality time.
If you’re finding that you’re out of room, you need to talk to a Davie REALTOR®. You can trust Teri’s Real Estate Team to provide you with the professional and personal service that will make finding your next home, or selling your current one, a positive experience! Call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email for more information.
Save
Photo Compliments of CalAtlantic Homes
Looking for Pembroke Pines real estate? CalAtlantic Homes is actively selling in Raintree, an upscale gated and master-planned community in desirable Pembroke Pines. The community consists of single-family homes and two sets of townhomes. Amenities include a community lake and a clubhouse with a community pool.
If you want new construction, but don’t want to wait, there are quick move-in townhomes as of the date of this writing. These innovative townhomes offer low-maintenance living in beautifully designed two- and three-floor plans. Each townhome has parking in a private two-car garage.
The Preserve offers three floor plans, ranging from 1,891 to 2,604 square feet in size. The three bedroom, 3.5-4 bath plans offer plenty of room.
The Delmar B floorplan features a guest bedroom, large walk-in closet and full bath on the first floor – perfect for extended family, guests or office space. The second floor is devoted to an oversized great room with a covered balcony perfect for entertaining. The great room flows into an upscale kitchen designed with granite countertops, tile backsplashes and a kitchen island. The design is topped off with 42” cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an adjacent dining area.
A second guest bedroom is located on the third floor and has a private bath. The master suite is a luxurious and private retreat, complete with walk-in closets, double sinks in the master bath, along with a separate tub and shower. You’ll think of drinking a cup of coffee and reading the paper in the morning when you see the private covered balcony off the master bedroom. The Delmar B townhome is priced at approximately $383,000.
The open-plan townhomes at The Grove at Raintree range from 1,752 to 2,183 square feet. These are two-story homes with three beds and 2.5-3 baths. Each townhome has its own two-car garage.
Several Napa model quick move-in homes are available as of this writing. The Napa offers a large open floor plan. The first-floor great room extends to a covered lanai. The large kitchen boasts luxury finishes and a walk-in pantry. The second floor contains a private master suite with large walk-in closets. The two guest bedrooms are located at the opposite end of the house and share a bathroom. Pricing for the quick move-in units ranges from $385,425 to $404,900.
Many people think that buying a new construction home is just like going to a retail store, but people who take that approach find that the sale ends up being more advantageous for the builder than it is for the buyer.
The builder’s representatives are there to work with you, but keep in mind that they’re responsible for protecting the builder’s interest. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to have your own representation. In that way, there are professionals on both sides of the transaction to complete negotiations that work for both parties.
In addition, you can work with your own agent to make sure that the Raintree community is the right one for you before you make a commitment. And, if you find that Raintree isn’t your dream neighborhood, you can work with your own agent to find the one that is!
If you’re ready to explore your options, you can count on the real estate experts on the Teri Arbogast Team to provide the Pembroke Pines real estate information you need to make the most informed decision on your next home purchase. Call us today at 954-252-8030 or send an email for more information.
Save
Please fill out the form below and we will be contacting you shortly
with information about your home.
