If you’re thinking of buying Davie homes for sale, the odds are that you’ve been driving through neighborhoods in the area. And, you may come across for sale by owner (FSBO) signs in your travels. The question you need to ask yourself is whether you should consider buying a Davie for sale by owner, and if you do, how can you protect yourself?
Why would someone sell a home on their own? One of the big advantages that is often mentioned is that the seller won’t need to pay a fee to a real estate agent. It’s rare that someone selling their home themselves do it because they are real estate experts. Here are some things to consider about a FSBO seller.
Anyone can put their home on the market themselves. The internet is making that easier all the time. However, you need to keep in mind that the seller doesn’t necessarily know what they’re doing.
The seller may not know how to set a sales price, write a purchase contract, identify the things that they must disclose about the house based on state regulations, and more. If you want to buy a Davie for sale by owner, you’ll need to educate yourself extensively to ensure that your interests are protected.
Many people looking at a FSBO listing think they will get a good deal. But, FSBO sellers typically want to “save” the real estate agent commission and keep the money for themselves. Unless they’re very motivated, most FSBO sellers won’t reduce their price by the amount of a commission. They want to get full price to increase their profit.
Real estate agents work hard to keep up with what’s happening in their local real estate market. They know how to find the right comparables. Comparables are homes that have sold in the area that are similar to the house you’re looking at.
Agents will look at comparables and make adjustments for differences between that house and the house they’re listing. Agents also know what’s happening in the market. If prices are going up, they will factor that into setting a listing price.
A FSBO seller may do things like use a Zillow Zestimate to determine what their home is worth. Few people actually research the accuracy of a Zestimate. According to Zillow, the median error rate for their estimates is 5 percent.
Therefore, half of the Zestimates are within 5 percent of the selling price and half are wrong by more than 5 percent. On a 300,000 house, the Zestimate could be off by 5 percent, or $15,000. If the Zestimate is off by 10 percent, that represents a difference of $30,000. It can be a big problem for you as a buyer if a FSBO seller sets their price without the right research.
Smart homebuyers will insist that their real estate agent is involved in a Davie for sale by owner transaction. The seller must agree to pay half of the commission they would pay if they had an agent of their own. The reason homebuyers want their own representative is because their agent is the only person in the transaction who does it for a living. And, there’s a lot to know to make sure your transaction runs smoothly.
The purchase contract is the legal definition of your real estate transaction. In most states, real estate agents use an approved contract template that they can customize for each transaction. However, FSBO owners don’t necessarily need to follow the same regulations. If you’re going to buy a FSBO house, you’ll need either a real estate agent or a real estate lawyer to get involved to protect your interests.
There are many things that you need to look for in a contract. You’ll need to have contingencies identified that will give you the right to have a home inspection and obtain financing before you make a firm commitment to buy the house.
The seller needs to list certain types of things that they plan to remove from the home. For example, if there’s a chandelier that the seller wants to keep, they need to let you know that ahead of time. They also need to provide whatever disclosures are necessary in your state.
As part of making an offer, you as the buyer will need to produce a deposit called earnest money. It proves to the seller that you’re serious about your offer. The amount is negotiable, but think in terms of 1-2 percent of the purchase price.
If you buy a FSBO without your own representation, you need to be sure that your deposit is safe, and that it will be returned when appropriate. Typically, your real estate agent puts the money in an escrow account. If you’re buying without an agent, you’ll need to find a way to protect that cash until closing.
The issues discussed above are only some of the things to look out for when you’re buying a Davie for sale by owner property. If you have a lawyer or a buyer’s agent, you will be fine. If you decide to fly solo, just be careful that you don’t regret your decision later.
When you need a buyer’s agent or a listing agent, remember that we’re Realtors in Davie who know the market and can guide you through a deal that meets your goals. Give us a call at 954-242-8030 or send an email. We’re here for you!
Spring is in the air! If you’re planning to update your Davie home, Spring is the time to do it. And, if you’re thinking of selling your home, you want to make sure that your home is properly staged and will impress buyers as soon as they walk in the door.
Davie homes for sale are always in demand. But, if you want to get the most for your home when you sell, you need to make it stand out from the crowd. Making your home look fresh, but with neutral colors, will help buyers see themselves living in the home. Here are some tips for Spring 2019.
In 2019, Pantone chose a color called Living Coral as their color of the year. It’s a wonderful shade for homes in Florida. Pantone describes it as being an energizing and enlivening color with a soft edge. Many shades of the color could work in your home; it doesn’t need to be the strongest shade.
The advantage of using a Pantone color of the year is that when you want to update your Davie home, all types of designers will be using the color in their products. You’ll find it in clothing, beauty products, and home décor. Take a look at some of these examples. You could use a neutral palette for walls and furniture, and then add Living Coral pillows, lamps, wall art, and more. It blends beautifully with other Florida colors like teal blues, greens and yellows. Depending on the shade you use, it can complement a wide range of colors.
Whether you follow design trends or not, update your Davie home with unique décor and eclectic pairings that you’re passionate about. This isn’t the year for everything to match.
Coastal style lives in natural wood, distressed surfaces, and coastal textures. Think about a backsplash in the kitchen that highlights hand-painted tile. You could also use a whitewashed wood paneling mounted in a herringbone pattern to make your kitchen cozy. And, don’t think your kitchen table or island has to be slick. A rustic design paired with sleek countertops and cabinets brings a homey feeling into the space.
Many designers are using a natural-fiber rug with another rug on top. The top rug should be at least a foot smaller on all sides to let the beauty of the textured rug underneath to make a statement. When you want to change your décor, it’s easy to get a new rug for the upper layer to coordinate with your new color palette.
Caned furniture has been used in coastal settings since the 1600s. Today, the textural feeling of rattan is still a staple of coastal design. And, the cool breezes that can flow through your favorite chair make it perfect for interior design or outdoor living.
Accent walls aren’t just a bold color. There are many ways to create a mood with creative accent walls. For example, think about mounting latticework on your wall, painted in a slightly different shade than the wall itself. It’s inviting and cozy. Raw wood is another way to draw attention to the walls. Use wood like popular, which looks like abstract art.
Mixing metals is very popular today. Consider brass hardware or lamps to make your room seem timeless.
The most recent trend for floors is hardwood or large solid color tiles. Patterned floors are coming back. However, now the designs are more natural and sophisticated than your grandmother’s vinyl. Herringbone patterns are a simple way to use rectangular tiles in a small room. Too much herringbone may make a large room look cluttered.
Bathrooms are getting a new lease on life with inventive flooring choices. If you’re looking for a vintage or retro look, think about black and white tile – they come in a variety of designs. Mosaic tiles are popular and come in a variety of shapes. Linear patterns in tiles can wrap around the room, or simply accent a shower.
If you’re available May 3-5, 2019, you can attend the Broward Home & Design Show. It’s being held in the Pembroke Pines Charles F Dodge City Center, and it’s free. More than 100 companies will be available to discuss your ideas for your home’s interior design, remodeling, and outdoor living.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling in the Davie area, give us a call at 954-242-8030 or send an email. As experienced Realtors in Broward County, we can give you the expert assistance you’ll need to complete a successful transaction. And, if you’re not sure whether a renovation you’re considering will translate into more money in your pocket after you sell, we can help you with that, too!
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 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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Then, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!