People looking at Davie homes for sale often ask about events in Davie. There are quite a few, and one is coming up soon! The 82nd Annual Orange Blossom Festival, Parade and Rodeo is this weekend. 

The Orange Blossom Festival

The free Festival is being held on Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24, 2019.  The Town of Davie is organizing it.

The festivities start with a parade on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. Other activities take place on Orange Drive from Davie Road to SW 66th Terrace. To make way for the fun, the city will close Orange Drive in that area.

Arts & Crafts, Food, Music, and More

Get ready for two full days with lots to do. Over 250 displays will be there for you to see. On Orange Drive, you’ll find an arts and crafts show, a food area, and live wildlife exhibits. Western and green product displays will help you stay in the Orange Blossom Festival mood.

If music gets you tapping your toe, you’ll enjoy the live bands. The kids have their own kids’ corner. And, the Women’s Club is celebrating a Strawberry Shortcake Festival. Stop by to nibble on fresh strawberries and homemade shortcake.

Get Your Cowboy Boots On!

Did you know that there are cowboys in Davie? For the Festival, they’ll be gathering at Cowboy Town in the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. Come experience a real pro rodeo in a covered rodeo arena. On Saturday the 23rd, the rodeo begins at 7:20 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. On Sunday, the rodeo starts at 2 p.m. and the doors open at 12:30 p.m.

The Old Davie School Historical Museum Celebrates, Too

The Historical Museum celebrated its 100th birthday in 2018. The museum is presenting an Orange Blossom Festival Kick-Off Concert on Friday, February 22, 2019. On Saturday and Sunday, you can get a free guided tour of the museum. There will also be old-fashioned activities and a flea market on both days at their Pioneer Village.

For you car buffs out there, don’t miss the Orange Blossom Festival Car & Truck Show, also being held at the Museum. Be there between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, the 24th.

The Orange Blossom Festival is a tradition in Davie. If you’re new to the area, call us with any questions about the Festival. If you’re planning to buy or sell real estate in Davie, we’d be glad to help you with that, too!

The Teri Arbogast Team | (954) 242-8030 | Send an email

 

You’d think it would be a simple situation. If the buyer really wants one of the Davie homes for sale, they may decide to go over list to get it. The seller is delighted to have such a high offer. They’ll probably accept without a second thought. But, there’s more to it than that. Here’s what you need to know about over list price transactions.

When Do Offers Come in Over List Price?

Offers come in over list price when there is a lot of competition among buyers in the real estate market. When there is a lot of competition among buyers, it’s called a Sellers’ Market. That’s because there are many more homebuyers looking to buy than there are homes for sale. Therefore, buyers must compete for the homes that are on the market.

Defining Buyer and Seller Markets

One of the industry indicators to determine when there is a Sellers’ Market is the Months of Supply, also called Inventory. It indicates how many months it would take for the houses on the market at any point in time to sell.

That indicator is based on how long homes are taking to sell. Here’s an example. Let’s say that homes are selling at a rate of 10 homes per month, and there are 50 homes for sale. That indicates a 5-month supply of homes for sale.

If there are less than 6-months of supply, sellers have the advantage. If there are more than 6-months of supply, buyers have the advantage.

What Type of Market is Broward County Experiencing?

The Miami Association of REALTORS® publishes real estate market data for Broward County, which includes Davie. The latest figures are from the month of December 2018. The single-family homes in Broward County have 4.4-months of supply. Townhomes and condos have 5.7-months of supply.

Given those figures, you can see that Davie is experiencing a seller’s market. That doesn’t mean that every homeowner is going to get offers over list price, but it’s more likely. In fact, in December, homes were selling at a median percent of 95.4% of the list price. Therefore, it’s possible that some buyers did make offers over list price.

What Can Stop an Over List Price Transaction Cold?

The one thing that can stop a transaction in its tracks is when the buyer is obtaining financing and the appraisal comes out below the offer price.

For example, let’s say that the seller listed the house to sell at $300,000 but a bidding war among potential buyers drove the winning offer to $330,000.

Over list price offerThen, as the buyer’s financing proceeds, the bank sends out an appraiser. Let’s assume that the appraiser comes back with a value for the house of $310,000. Now, there’s a $20,000 difference between what the bank says the house is worth, and what the buyer offered. One of two things has to happen.

Neither the buyer nor the seller is going to be happy with this situation. The seller may think that they should be able to get the $330,000 price in a hot market, and may not want to lower the price. The buyer may not have another $20,000 to put into a down payment.

What’s the Outcome?

The buyer and seller need to come to an agreement on how to handle the $20,000. If the buyer has the money, and thinks the house will appreciate quickly enough to make it financially feasible, they may agree to increase their down payment.

The seller may be ready to move and may not want to negotiate a new deal. In that situation, the seller may agree to accept the lower price.

Working with a professional real estate agent with excellent negotiation skills comes in handy when something like this happens. It’s much more effective for an objective third party to negotiate on your behalf in an emotionally charged situation.

Final Thoughts

The moral of the story is that both the buyer and seller need to go into an over list price transaction with a realistic outlook. It might work out perfectly, or it might put a monkey wrench into the works.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling in Davie, make sure you work with an agent who is knowledgeable about the local real estate market. And, someone who can reduce your stress level by handling negotiations expertly. The members of Teri’s Real Estate Team can help. Give us a call at 954.242.8030, or send an email. Let’s get to know each other and talk about your goals and how we can help!

 

If you are looking for Davie homes for sale, you may wonder what type of homes are available in the area. Let’s take a look at stats from several of the top Davie neighborhoods. You can use the links in each description to see a list of homes currently for sale in that neighborhood.

Emerald Springs Estates

Homes in Emerald Springs Estates were mostly built between 1996 and 2004. It is a gated community that is home to 74 single family homes on estate-sized lots. Homes range from approximately 3,000 square feet to 7,000 square feet. The homes usually have between four and seven bedrooms and three to six baths. The median sales price is around $850,000.

Forest Ridge

Building in Forest Ridge started in 1985. The community has a club house and tennis courts. There is a variety of homes in this neighborhood. Square footage ranges from around 1,200 to 5,300. You can find a two bedroom home or one with six bedrooms, and up to six baths. The median sale price is around $470,000.

Harmony Lakes

The clubhouse at Harmony Lakes provides a center of activity for its residents. The homes were built between 1983 and 2001. The median sale price in the neighborhood is around $300,000. Homes range from approximately 1,300 square feet to 4,000 square feet. The median sales price is approximately $300,000.

Imagination Farms

This neighborhood was built between 1997 and 2002. Home sizes in Imagination Farms range from around 2,000 square feet to 5,500 square feet, and have between three to seven bedrooms and two to five baths. The median sale price is $695,000.

Long Lake Estates

The homes in Long Lake Estates were built between 1999 and 2003. You can find a variety of home styles and sizes, ranging from around 3,000 square feet to almost 7,000 square feet. The homes usually have between four to six bedrooms and three to five bathrooms. The median sale price is approximately $1,000,000. Some of the homes in the neighborhood have lake front locations.

Top Davie NeighborhoodsLong Lake Ranches

Some of the homes in Long Lake Ranches were built starting in 1996, but most were built around 2002, and some were even completed in 2008. Home sizes range from around 3,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet and boast four to seven bedrooms and three to seven baths. The median sales price is $1,200,000.

Riverstone

The median price for homes in Riverstone is approximately $850,000. The neighborhood was built between 2003 and 2006. Home sizes start around 3,000 square feet and go up to just over 6,000 square feet. The homes have between three and eight bedrooms and three to five baths. The median sales price is $845,000.

Shenandoah

The median home price in Shenadoah is $368,000, but you’ll also find homes that sell at or over $1,000,000. The neighborhood was built between 1986 and 2000. Homes range in square feet from 1,000 to almost 5,000. You’ll find homes with up to five bedrooms and baths.

The Ridge on Knob Hill

The homes in The Ridge on Knob Hill were built between 1998 and 2001, and have square feet that ranges from around 2,000 to almost 4,000. While the median sale price is $525,000, you’ll find homes with a sales price of $1,000,000 or more. Homes here typically offer three to five bedrooms and two to three baths.

Vista Filare

Vista Filare homes were built between 1995 and 1999. While it is one of the older neighborhoods, the properties are very well maintained. The median sales price is $375,000, and the homes typically range from around 1500 square feet to 3,000 square feet. Vista Filare homes offer between three to five bedrooms and two to three baths.

Final Thoughts

The top Davie neighborhoods described above represent some of the best places to live in Davie, Florida. As you can see, there are many neighborhoods to choose from, and you need to choose your neighborhood first when you’re looking at Davie homes for sale. Choosing your neighborhood first will avoid the problem of falling in love with a home, then discovering that the neighborhood doesn’t support your lifestyle.

You need to consider amenities, location, the neighborhood feeling and more. And, that’s where we come in. The members of the Teri Arbogast Team are local experts. We can help you clearly define your requirements and find the top Davie neighborhoods that are going to be the best for you and your family.

If you have questions about any of the top Davie neighborhoods, or if you’re planning to sell your home, feel free to call us at 954.242.8030, or send an email. Just remember:

“Nobody Sells Homes like Teri!”

 

It’s a busy time of year. Sometimes it seems like there’s never enough time to get everything done. So, if you’ve been busy making preparations, you may have neglected to spend some time enjoying the holiday activities in Davie and Broward County. Here are some holiday events you can enjoy before and after Christmas.

Davie, Florida

Flamingo Gardens’ Santa’s Little Helpers: December 22 and 23, from 2-5 p.m.

Bring the kids and help the elves give out treats to the animals, talk to Santa, Ride the Animal Train through the Arboretum, use the bounce house, and enjoy holiday music and crafts.

You can get a 25 percent discount on tickets using the code SANTA25 when you purchase online. And, you can stay after 5 p.m. to enjoy the Garden of Lights.

Flamingo Gardens’ Garden of Lights: December 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30, starting at 5 p.m. – last admission is at 8 p.m.

The Garden of Lights lets you roam the Arboretum and Wray Home to take in all of the beautiful decorations. You’ll see thousands of lights, decorations and holiday scenes, a musical light show, life-sized interactive snow globes, and more. Tickets just for the Garden of Lights are also available.

Plantation

Historical Museum: Winter Wonderland now through January 5, 2019, open Tuesday through Saturday except for December 24, 25, 31 and January 1. Times are 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Museum is just full of decorated trees and holiday displays. Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Admission is free.

Christmas Lights in the Acres: December 22 and 23, and December 26 through 30, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Plantation Baptist Church in Plantation, Florida is holding this light extravaganza. It’s being billed as a CHRISTmas Lights Display. It will be fun for the whole family.

Fort Lauderdale

Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve: December 31, SW 2nd Street and SW5th Avenue, 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

If you don’t mind a drive into Fort Lauderdale, you can experience what many people call the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the South East. There’s a free festival that captivates children and adults. You’ll also find face painting stations, bounce houses, games, and contests. There will be live entertainment and you can even pick up a few line dancing moves with the DJ.

If you can’t stay until midnight, you can still join in the excitement of the countdown to the New Year at 7 p.m. And, of course, there’s another countdown at midnight. Instead of a ball, like the New York celebration, the countdown follows the progress of a larger than life anchor, as a tribute to Fort Lauderdale’s location on the Atlantic Ocean.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!

Teri and The Teri Arbogast Team

 

Davie Realtors - Teri Arbogast Team

 

The Teri Arbogast Team

 

Homeowners in Davie and surrounding areas love their swimming pools. With the weather in the Davie area, a pool is a comfort on a hot day. It’s also an excellent place to entertain by extending your home into the outside.

Caring for a pool isn’t difficult, but there are things you need to keep in mind to make your outdoor living area a true oasis.

Use the Right Chemicals in Your Davie Swimming Pool

If you own a pool, you know that you need to keep the water free from bacteria and algae. However, each pool has its own needs, and using the right mix of chemicals is critical. If the water in your pool isn’t properly treated, you and your friends and family could end up with irritated eyes and skin. You may also end up deteriorating your pool’s materials and causing premature leaks.

Avoid these problems by getting your water tested at a local pool store on a regular basis. You can use their recommendations to maintain the quality of the water in between visits to the experts. A simple testing kit will let you make sure you’re treating the water effectively.

Keep the Pool Full of Water

If you aren’t using the pool often, it’s easy to let the water level go down to dangerous levels due to lack of rain and evaporation. The problem comes in when the water level goes below the level of the filters. The water won’t be circulated and you could burn out your pump.

You need to pay particular attention to the water level if you’re going to be out of town. Filling the pool higher than normal won’t do any damage, and you’ll be protecting your investment in your pool accessories.

Run the Pool Pump Each Day

You should run the pool pump for your Davie Swimming Pool at least eight hours a day when the weather is hot. It can be tempting to turn the pump off to save electricity, but you’ll end up with more problems later. Running the water through the filters is the only way to keep algae and bacteria from growing.

Trying to bring the pool back to normal after the water is very contaminated can be difficult. You could cut down on the hours the pump runs during the winter, but keep the circulation going.

Keep the Filters Clean

The filters will do a much better job of keeping the pool water sparkling when the filters are clean. Make sure you clean them at least once a month. Keeping some spare filters on hand will make it easy to ensure that your filters are always clean and working at peak efficiency.

Winter Davie Swimming Pool Maintenance

Davie Swimming Pool

Some Davie homeowners close their pools for the winter because the water gets too cold. However, many homeowners leave their pool open all year, especially if they have a pool heater.

If you’ve never considered a pool heater, you’re probably not making the most of your pool. The heater will make your pool as much of an outdoor living space in the winter as it is in the summer. Today, many pool owners are looking into solar pool heaters. They cost a bit more to install, around $3-4,000, but you’ll save a lot on operating costs.

Here are a few things you need to do for pool maintenance in the winter:

People purchasing Davie real estate are more likely to have a swimming pool on their list of must-haves than buyers in colder regions. If you are selling your property in Davie, work with agents who know how to show your home to its best advantage.

The Teri Arbogast Team knows the Davie area real estate market well. For example, I’ve lived in Davie for 20 years and I’ve come to love the South Florida lifestyle. As a top producer, I’ve earned the tag line “Nobody Sells Homes Like Teri.”

But, don’t take my word for it. Listen to our clients. Then, give me a call at 954-242-8030, or send an email to get your home sold.

 

Do you love your dog? There are many people in Davie who do. And, luckily enough, there are Davie Florida dog parks all around the area!

Happy Tails Dog Park at Seminole Park – Plantation, Florida

This dog park is located in the City of Plantation, just 3.5 miles from the center of Davie. It’s a place where you can meet your friends who are dog lovers themselves, and give both you and your pet some recreation time.

The Park hosts the local Police Force’s Plantation Canine Unit. Three different activity areas on five acres of land give you and your pet a variety of things to do.

One leash-free run area is reserved for large dogs where they can run, play and make friends. There’s another place for smaller dogs, too. The weight limit in that area is 25 pounds or less. You can also visit the exercise area that can help you do some agility training.

Craig Rupp K-9 Dog Park – Pembroke Pines, Florida

The quick 6-mile trip from downtown Davie is all you need to enjoy this newly renovated dog park. It’s a popular place for local dog owners to gather. You’ll find two play areas, designated for small and large dogs. There are benches for owners to relax and watch their dogs run or try the obstacles for them to conquer. The Annual Bow-Wow Ween Costume Contest is held in the Park, too!

Dr. Steven G. Paul Dog Park – Coral Springs, FL

Dr. Steven Paul, a local veterinarian, founded this two-acre park. It’s one of the first dog parks in the state, having been completed in the early 1990s. The park is free to use, and dogs of all sizes are welcome. There are public restrooms, and poop bag dispensers in case your forget yours. Your dog can enjoy off-leash areas, an agility area, and water is available.

Barkham at Markham Dog Park – Sunrise, Florida

The Barkham dog park is located in the Markham Park in Sunrise. You will need a pass, which you can purchase at the Markham Park Office. The park has the distinct honor of being voted a Broward Family Favorite for 2018. The Broward Family Life Magazine sponsors the vote every year.

The park covers a three-acre fenced-in are just west of the entrance to Markham Park. There are sections for large dogs and small dogs to play leash-free. For the people, there are asphalt walking or jogging paths, and three shelters. One of the shelters has fountains that provide cool water for the humans, and dogs have their own fountains in some areas.

Another excellent amenity is the dog wash – just in case Fido gets dirty. But, of course, that would never happen, right?

In Other News. . .

Broward County has a number of parks that aren’t strictly for dogs, but they are dog friendly. You can see a list on the County website.

In addition, Cooper City opened two new dog parks in July of this year. Read more about it at the Sun Sentinel.

Dog Parks in Davie FLBe Dog Park Wise

You should check the rules for a dog park the first time you visit. Different cities may have different rules. In general, these are the things that you can do to keep dog parks safe for all the two and four-legged visitors:

Our pets are important to all of us. Davie Florida dog parks are great places to socialize your dog to other dogs and other people. Staying alert will make everyone’s day a happy one.

Speaking of happy days, if you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Davie, contact one of the top Davie REALTORS® on the Teri Arbogast Team. Our local market knowledge, real estate transaction expertise, and caring for our clients means that you’ll continue to have happy days right through the closing. Call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email for more information.

 

You probably read the first entry in this two-part series on home seller tips, Don’t List Your Home Until You’ve Checked These Home Seller Guidelines. This post will wrap up the list of thing home sellers need to do before they list their home. Addressing the things listed below will take some time and effort. However, you’ll be glad you followed the guidelines because you’ll get offers more quickly and at a higher price.

Home Seller Tips #1: Check for permits for renovations

If you have done any renovations or updates to your Davie or Broward County home, make sure you have permits for the work. If you hired a licensed contractor, that person should have obtained a permit to complete the work. Make sure you have proof of the permit in your possession.

If you did the work yourself, or your contractor didn’t obtain a permit when it was required, you could be facing a serious problem when you sell your home.

Permits are required for a wide range of things in Broward County. Here are some examples:

You can get more information on permit requirements at the Broward County website residential permit pages.

Here’s the problem you face if you don’t have the permits you need. When your buyer arranges for a home inspection, the inspector will be able to identify things that weren’t an original part of the house. If you can’t produce permits where they’re required, the buyer:

Then, the problem will become your problem. Most buyers won’t buy a home that doesn’t have the required permits. The buyer will typically ask you to obtain the permits, and pay to bring the renovation up to code if necessary.

You don’t want to be in this position. Not only would your closing be delayed, but you may be unable to sell your house.

It’s critically important that you have the required permits for anything you did to the house. If you don’t, your best strategy is to correct that situation before you put your house on the market.

Home Seller Tips PetsHome Seller Tips #2: Remove any evidence of pets or kids

You may not notice the “doggy smell” in your house, or the damage done when kids have bounced balls off the walls. But, buyers will. You need to correct those problems before you list. It may mean cleaning or replacing carpet, or doing some paint touchups.

Regardless of what you need to do, the advantages you’ll have when you sell will outweigh any time or money you spent fixing these issues.

Home Seller Tips #3: Consider staging

A buyer’s first impression is the one they will usually take away with them. If it’s obvious that the last time you updated your house was in the 1990’s, you might want to hire a professional stager to do an evaluation.

The stager may make recommendations to add things you can rent in the short-term, or just rearrange things to highlight the best features of your house. It will work wonders if your house compares favorably with other listings in your area.

Home Seller Tips #4: Get the “Stuff” out of the garage

Garages are one of those areas that seem to fill up with stuff when you’re not looking. Some of it may things you need to keep, but some things you might not really need.

Take this opportunity to clean out the garage. If you do that and the garage still looks packed, put everything you don’t absolutely need in the short-term in a storage unit.

Overflowing garages give the impression that there isn’t enough outdoor storage space, which can be a deal breaker for someone who wants a multi-functional garage.

Home Seller Tips in DavieHome Seller Tips #5: Take care of minor repairs and pump up your curb appeal

You’ve probably read articles that tell you to eliminate squeaky doors, scraped floors, and dirt. And, those articles are correct. Keep the house white-glove clean until it’s sold, and don’t let little annoyances drive buyers away.

Also, think about the house’s curb appeal. You don’t have to create a jungle in the front yard, but if your bushes or flowering plants have seen better days, you’ll be glad you took the time to replace them. And, sometimes even painting your front door with a pop of color makes the view of your home from the street much more appealing.

Final Thoughts

Selling your house takes some careful planning if you want to get top dollar in the shortest amount of time. Your Broward County REALTOR® should be able to help you turn your home into a buyer magnet.

That’s the goal of every agent on the Teri Arbogast Team. We’re a group of full-time, professional agents who know the market and how to get homes sold.

If you’re thinking of selling (or buying) in the Davie/Broward County area, call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email. You’ll be glad you joined our family of happy clients!

P.S. Do you have a tip you can share? Use the comment form below to help your fellow man.

Well, Gulfstream Park isn’t right in Davie, but it’s only about 15 miles away and easy to find. There’s something for couples, singles and families to do all year around.

An important venue for horseracing, the Park hosts world-class thoroughbreds, many of whom are reaching for glory in the Triple Crown races. The Casino offers two floors of slot machines, live poker games, and tournaments. But, don’t think that it’s just an adult venue – you’ll enjoy Gulfstream Park for kids, too!

The popularity of the destination is obvious in the excellent reviews found on Tripadvisor. Beyond the racing and casino activities, you’ll find the Village at Gulfstream Park. It’s an open-air mall filled with interesting shops and restaurants. In addition, there are always things to do and

Gulfstream Park for Kids

Children aren’t forgotten at Gulfstream Park. There are activities that the whole family will enjoy like pottery painting, bowling, and karaoke. But, activities for kids also includes things like a cooking class at Williams Sonoma, arcade games, and free cartoon drawing classes at Barker Animation Art Galleries.

special events to see.

{not so} Spooky Halloween

If you haven’t finalized your plans for Halloween this year, Gulfstream Park is a destination to consider. The event will be held on October 31, 2018 between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m, and it’s free.

You and the kids can enjoy trick or treating at over 30 stops. The Fire and Fountain show starts at 7 and 8 p.m. in the Pegasus Park, and you can see a Wizard Show at 7:15 p.m. It’s another example of why Gulfstream Park for kids is alive and well.

Strike 10 Bowling

The entire family can enjoy bowling at the 11 lanes that feature touch-screen technology. Younger children will love using the two small bowling lanes that are just their size. The facility also offers pool tables, air hockey, an arcade room and a full menu. Strike 10 Bowling is open in the afternoons and evenings seven days a week.

Gulfstream Park for KidsColor Me Mine

At Color Me Mine, you can create a pottery masterpiece. It’s a pottery painting studio that has hundreds of ceramic items and lots of paint colors. You can decorate your own bowl, candy dish, vase or figure and the folks at Color Me Mine will glaze and fire your masterpiece so that you can take it home.

It’s a great part of Gulfstream Park for kids. You can also arrange for a private party for events such as a kid’s birthday or a baby shower. Shops Galore!

The open-air mall is a fun place to explore. You’ll find everything from art galleries to fashion boutiques to home furnishings. You can even get your nails done while you’re there.

Dining

You’ll never go hungry while you’re at Gulfstream Park. Your biggest problem will probably be which type of a dining experience you’re in the mood for. Here are just a few of the choices:

If it’s just dessert on your mind, stop by Yogurtland or Haagen-Dazs for a frozen delight, or Le Macaron for French pastries.

Nightlife

Naturally, the nightlife starts with the horse racing, casino activities, and active Happy Hours.

If you’re a frustrated songbird, you will probably enjoy PlugIN. For your entertainment, you can share a private karaoke room at PlugIN with a group of friends. There are 18 rooms of various sizes to choose from, depending on the size of your group. If you’ve always been too embarrassed to try karaoke, now you’ll just have to worry about looking silly in front of your friends and family!

You’ll Love Living in Davie

There are so many things to do in the Davie area, and you’ll find lots of activities for kids, adults, and families. If you’re thinking of moving to the area, you’ll need a professional, talented, and caring REALTOR® to help you find the right home for you and your family.

Contact the Teri Arbogast Team whether you want to buy or sell in Davie. Call us at 954-242-8030 or send an email. You’ll be glad you joined our family of happy clients!

Some people think that all they need to do to put their home on the market is call their Davie REALTORS. Those people will have a harder time getting their home sold quickly and at a market price. If you want to sell your home with the least amount of stress, make sure you check the home seller guidelines below.

  1. Divorce your home.

If you’ve lived in your home for relatively long period of time, you’ve probably grown fond of it. While you have reasons to move, you may still hold your existing home close to your heart.

This will make the entire selling process more difficult, and at times, impossible.

For example:

Consciously stop thinking of your home as “yours.” Once it goes on the market, it’s just a product you’re selling. And, you can look forward to your new home becoming your next love.

  1. Find anything that is wrong with your home.

You know about many of the things that need to be fixed in your home. Those things may include peeling paint, scuffed floors or very worn carpeting.

There may well be some problems that you’re not aware of. And, that’s a problem.

In the State of Florida, there have been lawsuits about hidden problems. The Florida Supreme Court ruling indicated that if there are problems that affect the value of the property that aren’t readily seen, the seller must disclose them to the buyer.

Another ruling by the First District Court of Appeals indicated that the same ruling noted above also applies to homes that are sold “as is.”

That means that you could find yourself in the middle of a lawsuit if you don’t check on the condition of your home. The only safe way to do that is to arrange for a pre-listing inspection. That inspection will point out anything that must be addressed, or at the least, disclosed to a buyer.

Your sale will go much smoother if you fix any problems found. Your agent can help you determine which things you might be able to leave for the buyer to address, and which will be deal breakers.

  1. Decide on what you want to take with you and what you want to leave.

We’ve talked about the difference between personal property and fixtures before. Just to review, in the State of Florida, there are three terms you need to know:

The problem is that gray area where there are fixtures that you consider to be your personal property. A lot of confusion, frustration, and sometimes lawsuits, can occur if you and your agent aren’t clear about fixtures that you consider to be personal property and want to take with you.

Here’s an example of something you might want to take with you:

Often, the best thing to do as the seller is to replace those fixtures you want to take with you before you list the house. If that doesn’t happen, then talk to your agent about how to let the buyer know if there are fixtures that you are excluding from the sale.

The same type of communication should take place for things that you might typically take with you, but you don’t want them. Let’s say that you’ve purchased a new refrigerator that fits perfectly into the kitchen in your new home. You should let the buyer know that the refrigerator is included in the sale.

This isn’t the end of the Home Seller Guidelines

These are just a few of the things that should appear on your “Home Seller Guidelines.” Don’t miss part two of this series.

And, if you are thinking of selling your home, make sure you work with agents who know all about how you can make the sale of your home a happy one. Contact us at 954.242.8030 or send an email. We’ll use our market knowledge and skills to help you sell quickly and at the highest market value!

Halloween in Davie 2018Halloween in America today is a holiday focused on children and community. If you live in the Davie area, you’ll have many choices of ways to celebrate.

What is Halloween Anyway?

There are many stories about how Halloween came to be. Some people think it relates to witchcraft, but research done by the History Channel doesn’t mention witches.

The most common thinking is that Halloween started in Ireland over 2,000 years ago. The Celts, who lived in what is now Ireland, celebrated a holiday that marked the end of summer, the harvest, and the beginning of the stark winter. Their holiday was held at the end of October, or November 1. A number of other ancient people contributed to what we now call Halloween.

When the Roman Empire conquered most of the territory held by the Celts, they combined two traditional Roman holidays with the one the Celts celebrated. When Christianity came to the Celtic lands, the church made November 2 All Souls’ Day, a day to remember those who had passed away. The holiday was celebrated with bonfires, parades, people dressing in costume, and the poor would beg for food called soul cakes.

Halloween wasn’t a popular holiday when America was first discovered. The conservative pilgrims weren’t likely to have parades and dress in costume. As the Irish immigrated in large numbers to escape the potato famine, they helped to revive Halloween festivities.

For Americans, what is now called Trick or Treating resulted from all this evolution. It became a way for communities to share in the celebration by handing out candy to children dressed in creative costumes.

Halloween in and near Davie, FL

Davie will celebrate Halloween at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds on October 27, 2018, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Festivities will include:

You can get more information about the parks holding Halloween activities in Broward County for 2018, including:

Get Ready for Halloween 2018

If you’re planning to celebrate Halloween in 2018, all you need is a costume. Whether you’re looking for your children or yourself, you have a choice of where to find costumes, all within 10 miles of Davie!

Halloween is the last chance you have to celebrate a major holiday before Thanksgiving. And, you know how crazy things get around the year-end holidays. So, make the most of the family activities near Davie while things are still a bit quiet!

If you’re looking for REALTORS in Davie, we invite you to call the Teri Arbogast Team at 954-242-8030, or send us an email. Everyone on our team is a seasoned agent who has in-depth knowledge of real estate in the area, including homes for sale in Davie, Pembroke Pines and other locations near the city of Davie.

We’d love to help you experience the best real estate transaction ever, just like the clients we’ve already assisted!

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