Planning to sell your home in Davie? It really doesn’t matter if you’ve lived in your home for five years or 25 years, when you look around, you probably see it – clutter.
If you’re like most people, you have clutter that needs to go before you start showing your Davie home for sale. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to remove disorderly assemblages without driving yourself crazy.
When you declutter, your goal is to remove the clutter you don’t need. When you organize, your goal is to find places to put everything that isn’t clutter. It’s a big mistake to try to do both things at once.
It’s a mistake because you’ll end up keeping things you don’t really need just because you have a place to put them. And, you’ll probably acquire more storage containers than you need because some of the clutter won’t need to be saved. Always declutter first, then organize!
Don’t try to work on an entire home at once – you’ll get distracted and overwhelmed. Focus on clearing the clutter from one room at a time.
One easy way to accomplish this is to create three sorting boxes or storage bins, labelled Keep, Let Go of It, and Storage.
As you declutter each room, sort the things you find into one of those three boxes as you review each item. The items in the Keep box need to be placed in the space in an organized fashion. For the items in the Let Go of It box, you can throw them away, recycle, donate, or have a garage sale to get rid of them. Put the items in the Storage box into a permanent storage container with a written inventory before putting the containers in your storage area.
This is a great idea, but it can be difficult to do. One decluttering expert suggests this test. Turn all your clothes hangars “backwards.” When you wear an item, return it to the closet with the hangar facing in the correct position. After a few months, take a look at all the clothes that are on hangars facing backward. The odds are you can give those clothes away.
People don’t declutter successfully for a number of reasons, most of which are emotional. To fight the urge to backslide:
Getting ready to move is always a challenge. But, think of it this way: Your home will sell much faster and for a higher price once you’ve taken the time to declutter. If you need help, there are professionals who can assist you in getting your home ready to sell.
If you’re thinking of selling, you can also turn to the local experts on Teri’s Real Estate Team. Give us a call at 954-242-8030 or contact us online. We can help you ensure that your Davie home for sale is ready to show, and make sure that your Davie real estate transaction is a successful one.
I’ve always said that Davie, Florida has something for everyone, and higher education is only one of the draws that brings home buyers to seek out Davie homes for sale. Students, both young and old, have a choice of several colleges and universities located right here in Davie.
Broward College opened its doors on September 6, 1960 as the Junior College of Broward County. There were 701 students in the first class, and the Central campus opened in August of 1963. Over the intervening years, the College has continued to grow and continued its pursuit of excellence.
Today, Broward College offers a unique set of alternatives for students of all types: students can earn an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree from the College, then transfer to a university, or they can complete a technical program to get on a fast track to a career. The College has a unique relationship with Florida Atlantic University, since the University’s Davie campus is located on Broward College’s Central Campus.
The College’s Dual Enrollment, Early Admission and College Academy at BC programs tie the College even closer to the community.
Broward College now serves more than 63,000 students per year, who earn certificates, and associate and baccalaureate degrees.
The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is designed for upper division students. It serves over 30,000 students in more than 180 degree programs and serves a six-county region in southeast Florida. FAU’s Davie Campus holds almost 5,500 students as the second-largest campus in the network. It offers courses in 30 degree programs, including Arts and Letters, Business, Design, Education, Nursing and many others.
The Teaching and Leadership Center works toward expanding the number of mid-career professionals and recent graduates who teach in Broward County’s Schools. It is a collaborative effort by FAU, Broward College and the School Board of Broward County.
The Center for Environmental Studies (CES) is a research center that coordinates efforts to understand and restore the Everglades and other water ecosystems.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) was established in 1964, and has grown to be a traditional institution that is also young, bold and forward thinking. NSU serves approximately 24,000 students, and has a 314-acre campus at the main Fort Lauderdale-Davie location. The University also has a presence throughout Florida, the U.S. and nine other countries, and has established a reputation for academic excellence and innovation.
Students at NSU can earn undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees through a number of colleges including Business, Dental Medicine, Education, Engineering and Computing, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Optometry, Pharmacy, Psychology, and Natural Sciences and Oceanography.
NSU is known for small class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, professors, not Teaching Assistants, teach classes and students participate in the research conducted at NSU.
The Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center located in Davie is a remote campus for the University of Florida as well as a research center. The Center conducts research to develop sustainable management approaches to solve the unique problems south Florida faces in nurturing its tropical and subtropical landscape and reducing the impact of invasive animals and plants. The Center offers undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Whether you’re looking for educational opportunities for your children or yourself, you’ll want to explore Davie homes for sale. As top Davie REALTORS®, the professionals on Teri’s Real Estate Team are here to help you find the Davie home that’s right for you and your family. Just give us a call at 954-242-8030 or contact us online.
Save
Save
When you’re buying or selling Davie real estate, keep in mind that the real estate industry is full of myths. This happens because many people don’t fully understand how buying and selling real estate works. And, why should they?
For most people, it’s not something they do on a frequent basis. On the other hand, it’s one of the largest transactions they’ll probably ever complete. Take this opportunity to learn the truth about a number of common real estate myths.
Agents are hiding something if they refuse to tell you about crime rates, ethnic demographics, schools and neighborhood reputations.
The Truth: The truth is that it is illegal for a real estate agent to discuss those types of issues with you. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on a number of issues. An agent who tries to direct you to or away from a particular home is said to be “steering,” and it’s illegal.
An agent can talk to you about lifestyle choices. Here are some examples of lifestyle choices: you want a neighborhood that has a community pool, you commute and need to live close to a major highway, or you want to be able to walk to shops and restaurants. Your agent can help you find homes that meet those types of criteria. Most smart agents stay away from discussing anything that even remotely might be considered steering.
You don’t need to schedule an inspection for a new construction home or one that has been recently renovated.
The Truth: If you want a new construction home, you will certainly be careful to choose a reputable builder. However, even the best company can make mistakes.
If you watch the Property Brothers on television, you already know that homeowners botch renovations on a regular basis. Just because everything looks great on the outside doesn’t mean there are no problems behind the walls.
Always schedule an inspection before you buy any type of Davie real estate. It does cost some money, but it can save you even more time, frustration and money if you find problems after the close.
When you sell, always price your home high or leave a bit of room for negotiations.
The Truth: Oddly enough, houses that are overpriced when they’re first put on the market typically end up selling for less than true market value. The problem is that an overpriced house will stay on the market a long time, and it will undergo a series of price reductions. At that point, buyers assume that there is something wrong with the house and stay away.
My house is immaculate; it doesn’t need to be staged.
The Truth: This myth is more common when people think of luxury Davie real estate. And, it’s true, a luxury home is often well-maintained and well-decorated. But, staging a house doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with it. The objective is to let buyers imagine themselves living in the home. Therefore, anything that makes it more difficult for the buyers to do that needs to be addressed.
These types of things make it difficult for buyers to imagine themselves living in your home:
Keep in mind that once you make a decision to move, your home is no longer your home. It’s the product you’re selling. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to put your own mark on the home you’re moving into.
These are only a few of the real estate myths that you need to dispel. Do you have any questions about things you’ve always heard about buying and selling real estate? If so, let us know! As local Davie real estate experts, the Teri Arboast Team can help you get the most return from the sale of your home. And, if you’re buying Davie real estate, we have all the information you need to make a wise choice. Just give us a call at 954-242-8030 or contact us online.
Save
Save
Save
Davie real estate is attractive to home buyers and sellers for many reasons, including the location, the beauty, the amenities, the shopping, the community vibe and more. If you love everything about Davie, and you’re a golfer, you’re in luck. From outstanding public courses to upscale country club environments, there are plenty of golfing opportunities close to home.
If you’re looking for a private golf club in Davie, Grande Oaks may be for you. The club offers a Raymond Floyd-designed 18-hole Championship course, a 40-acre practice area and a newly renovated clubhouse.
If you’re a fan of the film Caddyshack, you might recognize some of the grounds since the movie was filmed here. The movie was made at a time when Grande Oaks was known as Rolling Hills Country Club, one of South Florida’s first, best and most notable golf courses.
Today the club is owned by Nova Southeastern University. The University is dedicated to preserving the charming legacy handed down from Rolling Hills, while maintaining the close-knit golfing community and uncompromising quality.
Davie Golf and Country Club is the only public course in Davie, and is in fact, owned by the Town of Davie. Many improvements were made during 2016, including re-sodding the fairways, tee boxes and the practice range. The staff is called Ambassadors of Fun, and they work hard to create entertaining and friendly experiences for all golfers. You’ll find rolling fairways and tiered greens that give players at all levels a challenge. The design eliminates the boredom of a flat landscape.
Another innovation is the Quick Golf service, which lets golfers fit a few holes into their busy schedules. Using a smartphone app, you can sign up and pay for only as many holes as you have time to play.
The Jacaranda Golf Club is a semi-private golf facility that has hosted many PGA, USGA and FSGA Championship events. Public golfers love the luxury, and you can join the community with a variety of memberships.
You’ll have the choice of two courses. The East Course is designed with evenly placed tee boxes to accommodate all levels of players, and generous fairways. The West Course is a championship layout with plenty of opportunity for exercising your mental and physical game.
The city of Plantation owns the semi-private Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club. The Championship golf course offers challenges for beginners and seasoned pros. The facility is located where the Plantation Golf Club established its reputation, and the grounds are as beautiful as ever.
The clubhouse offers amazing views with a dining room that serves lunch daily, and an outside terrace where you can relax at the end of a round or two. With a fully-stocked pro shop, you’ll find everything you need to prepare you for adult golf lessons or junior clinics.
The Fort Lauderdale Country Club has the distinction of being the oldest private country club in Broward County, having been established in 1926. The Club offers 36 holes of Championship Golf in a park-like setting where the fairways are lined with trees and flowerbeds.
The clubhouse sponsors regular social events, and offers formal dining and casual dining both inside and outside. It’s also an excellent place to host your own event with expert catering.
The Club at Emerald Hills is a semi-private golf course and club that offers award-winning championship play. The practice facilities at the Club feature two well-maintained putting greens, chipping and pitching area and a full-length driving range. In addition, you’ll find the best brand name equipment in the Pro Shop. The clubhouse includes fitness equipment, locker rooms and an excellent place for a meal after a day of golf.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling Davie real estate, the top Davie REALTORS® on the Teri Arbogast Team can provide you with all the local real estate market information you need to make informed choices. Just give us a call at 954-242-8030 or contact us online. And, if golf isn’t your passion, we can help you find the right home for your lifestyle!
Save
Save
Everyone knows that interest rates have been creeping higher. The question is whether you need to change your home buying plans because of it. There are a variety of factors to consider when you’re looking at the Davie real estate market, as you will see below.
All of the coverage in the media about interest rate increases – whether they have increased, or might increase, or will increase – can tend to make you feel as if buying at a higher interest rate will break your budget. You need to do some math to determine what the impact of increased interest rates will be.
Here’s an example. Let’s say you’re financing $200,000. Your monthly payment for the mortgage itself would increase by approximately $60 per month for every half-point increase.
At 4.5 percent, you’d pay around $60 per month more than at 4 percent. At 5 percent, you’d be paying $60 more per month than at 4.5 percent. If a difference of $60 per month makes it impossible for you to purchase, you’re probably overextending yourself in the first place.
Also, keep in mind that interest rates don’t typically increase in half-point increments. For example, in December, mortgage interest rates went from 4.13 percent to 4.16 percent during one change. In addition, rates have stayed under 5 percent for the past 10 years. We have a long way to go before we get close to an average rate.
The possibility also exists that homes will appreciate at a slower pace than we saw last year. While we’re currently in a seller’s market, the supply of homes on the market is low, and rising interest rates will scare some buyers out of the market.
Buying in a seller’s market has a strategy all its own. It isn’t necessarily more difficult to buy, but you need to use the right strategy. In a seller’s market, sellers can be more particular about the buyers they deal with. Sellers want buyers who can prove their ability to close a deal. Sellers can also be less likely to negotiate on price because buyers are plentiful.
If you’re buying in a seller’s market, make yourself a prime catch for any seller.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time Davie real estate buyer or looking to buy a Davie luxury home, you’ll get the best outcome if you work with a top Davie REALTOR®. The agents on Teri’s real estate team are local real estate experts and can help you navigate the ins and outs of the Davie real estate market. Call us at 954-242-8030 or contact us online.
It’s true that Davie real estate offers homes that range from lovely to breathtaking. The schools are top-rated and the natural beauty is second to none. Taking advantage of the Florida sunshine is easy with miles of walking and horse trails. But that’s not all. Davie also offers something a dedicated shopper will stay up nights dreaming about: Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall.
Sawgrass Mills is so large that it is divided into three sections: Fashion Avenue, The Oasis and the Colonnade. It truly has something for everyone. It’s a shopper’s dream, whether you’re looking for upscale clothing stores or great deals on electronics. However, make sure to wear your most comfortable shoes. The mall covers over 2 million square feet.
Fashion Avenue boasts over 350 stores in an enclosed, air-conditioned and climate controlled facility. Stores range from Forever 21 to Nine West to the Vera Bradley Outlet. You’ll also find anchor stores, including Brandsmart USA, Target, Burlington, Marshall’s, Neiman Marcus Last Call and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
he Oasis – Streetscape ShoppingThe Oasis is an outdoor shopping area at Sawgrass Mills that has undergone a recent renovation. The updated design gives you the feeling of strolling down the streets of a small town. There are gathering spaces, places to sit and people watch and a valet drop-off area.
Stores in the Oasis include Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy Outlet, Rockport Outlet and many more. If you’re looking for dinner and a movie, you could stop into the California Pizza Kitchen or the Cheesecake Factory, and then it’s just a short walk to the Sawgrass 23 Stadium and IMAX Theater.
Right beside the main enclosed portion of mall, you’ll find the open-air promenade known as the Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills. With more than 60 shops, you’ll be surrounded by virtually any brand you can name. These are just a few of the shops you can explore: Burberry, Tory Burch, Jjimmy Choo, Saint Laurent, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Kate Space, Brunello Cucinelli, Mont Blanc, Versace and Roberto Cavalli.
Getting to the Colonnade is even easier with the addition of a parking deck. Valet parking will let you save your energy for finding that perfect pair of shoes or a suit or gown, or all three! When it’s time to refresh and refuel, stop by the Grand Lux Café, Paul Maison de Qualite or one of the other delightful dining options the Colonnade has in store.
For more information about Sawgrass, review the Sawgrass Mills Mall map or search for your favorite store. And, if you’re looking for an amazing deal, stay up-to-date with the list of “deals and steals.”
Shopping is just one more thing that makes Davie real estate so popular. Whether you’re looking at Davie FL homes for sale, or you’re planning to sell your Davie home, make sure you work with a top Davie REALTOR®. Contact us at 954-242-8030 or online.
As the year draws to close, it’s a good time to take a look at where Davie real estate is heading for 2017. There are some good indicators for the coming year.
According to the Sun Sentinel, there was good news in many south Florida counties, Broward County being one of them:
Growth is always good for the real estate market. In the Broward County real estate market, growth can be seen in new construction neighborhoods like Raintree in Pembroke Pines and Sterling Ranch in Davie.
In addition, Florida’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research is projecting steady population growth for Broward County through the year 2024.
Davie, Florida is a great place to live, and a growing local economy will continue to make Davie real estate a good investment!
Take a short drive to Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek to enjoy the Holiday Fantasy of Lights. The three-mile drive is open every night until January 1, 2017. It’s good to see the tradition continue this year, as families revel in the spectacular lighting event that includes a wonderland of animated displays and illuminated landscapes.
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.
Please fill out the form below and we will be contacting you shortly
with information about your home.
