How to Sell Your Home with a Good First Impression

Credit for this photo goes to ThisOldHouse

You are finally ready to sell your home. Great! However when showing your home to potential buyers, first impressions are the most lasting and important to its sale. Your main role in selling your home is to make it as attractive as possible for prospective buyers.  Here are some tips to help you make a good first impression when selling your home.

The exterior of your home creates the first impression. Since the exterior of your home is the first and last thing potential buyers see, some effort can make a big difference in the impression your home makes. Make sure to keep up the maintenance on your lawn and driveway. You want to make sure that your lawn is cleanly cut, the shrubs and trees are trimmed, and that your garden is weeded. Another big thing about the front of your house is to make sure all the toys, lawn equipment, and other items are neatly stored away to make everything look great. A few other things to check on the exterior of your home is to make sure the windows are clean, address numbers are polished and in place, fresh paint on the garage and door, and adding some embellishments to make your home look welcoming.

A clean interior will reinforce your home’s good first impression. After the potential buyer walks through the exterior of your home having a clean interior will keep the good impression going. Clear any clutter on your shelves and other furniture. By having a clean and organized home it gives the impression of it being open and airy. Another big thing is to make sure your home is clean. Dust all shelving, polish the door knobs, clean the windows and mirrors, and wax those floors it will make a better impression than having a dusty, dirty home and hoping it will sell like that. One thing that few sellers know to do is to de-personalize your home. By removing those knickknacks and family photos it will help those prospective buyers imagine the home as their own.

Check out the ambiance of your home in the evening. Making sure that your home looks great in the day and evening is a great way to leave a lasting impression. Walk around your home and make sure that the lights outside work and position them to where it looks welcoming and appealing to anyone that may be passing by. Also, make sure your house numbers are visible on the outside by installing a small light fixture beside it or purchase an illuminated one.

Make sure to fix any minor or cosmetic repairs that needs to be done. That wooden fence has been in your yard for years, but the paint is chipping and you’re missing some of the posts. You’d definitely want to repair that and any other minor things around the house. By having freshly painted doors, fences, and other items it gives your home that new feel and makes the house attractive. Make sure all the screens in the windows are good, all cabinets, and doors work as they should. You also should make sure your door bell works too.

Bake a batch of cookies or a pie. When prospective buyers are walking around your home and looking around they are looking to see if it feels like home to them. Bake a batch of cookies before they arrive. The scent of the cookies will make the home feel warm and welcoming while giving your guests something to munch on. 

Regardless on if you’re looking to sell your home or even looking for a second one I would be honored to help you. Call me, Billi Gartman, at 941-545-8877 with any questions you have. Having me by your side during your home buying and selling process will help you with questions, concerns, and any stress you may have. 

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Tips on How to Choose a Neighborhood

Credit for the photo goes to Safewise

Finding an apartment or home on Anna Maria Island is more than just finding a place to live. When searching your interests and lifestyle come into play when looking to see if a neighborhood is going to suit what you’re looking for. Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and the city of Anna Maria all are the perfect place to live with a family or singly. 

•         Consider where you will be in a few years down the road. Are you thinking about having children? Pets? If you are or you already have kids, you should make sure to look at the school systems nearby as well as parks. Definitely check to make sure the neighborhood is kid friendly. If you’re single, checkout the local restaurants on Anna Maria Island and such to see if they fit what you’re looking for.
•          Test out how you’re going to get around the neighborhood. If you’re like me and you bike to work, I recommend making sure you choose a neighborhood close to your job or maybe look into public transportation options. Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach all have a free public trolley that can help transport you wherever you need to go.
•        Will you be a match for the neighborhood? Consider what if in the future you’d like to sell- will the area demographics make it easier or more difficult?
•          Check out what people are saying. It is important to see what people are saying about the neighborhood. Sites like StreetAdvisor are a great way to get real reviews. Also, you can probably ask the locals themselves. Anna Maria Island locals are very friendly and very willing to help out.
•          Besides checking out how far it is to your job, you should also research how close the neighborhood is to everything else. How close is it to the grocery store, hospital, banking, shopping, etc? A neighborhood that allows easy access to these amenities would be a plus to moving in. On Anna Maria Island you're fairly close to everything, since the whole length of the island is 7 miles.
•         Finally, make sure to visit the neighborhood at different times of the day. Doing this allows you to determine if this is what you’re looking for in a community. Listen to the noise levels, observe the traffic, checkout the lighting in the neighborhood, etc. 

Regardless on if you’re looking for an apartment or house in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Anna Maria  I would be honored to help you. Call me, Billi Gartman, at 941-545-8877 with any questions you have. Having me by your side during your home buying and selling process on Anna Maria Island will help you with questions, concerns, and any stress you may have. 

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Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Home Before Selling

(Credit for this photo goes to Homeplans)

I've seen quite a few people who were ready to sell their home on Anna Maria Island, but after really looking at them ask me what they could do to upgrade the home a bit and maybe increase it's value. I always suggest looking at your budget first and see what you can afford. Then look at what you are wanting to fix and make a list. Finally, I suggest hiring a contractor to do it for you. This will save you time and money in the long run.

•        You can easily improve the look of your home by applying fresh pain to the walls and cabinets. Sometimes it will take more than one layer to do the trick.
•        If you have an older dishwasher I'd replace it with a new Energy Star-qualified one to save money. If you don't have one installed, but have room for it, I'd look into getting one installed. With people's schedules now, dishwashers save them time as well as increase the value of your home.
•         Is that carpet looking a bit dull? Has deep cleaning it done nothing to help? If so, I'd look into replacing it with new carpet or some other material that will match your home.
•        Put down fresh caulk in your kitchen and bathroom. I've been in numerous homes where one section of the home has it peeling off or missing entirely. Not only will it look better, but it will protect your home against mold.
•         You know that old deck out back? The paint has long wore off, you've got chips breaking off of it, and let's not get started on the leaves and such stuck to it. This can usually be taken care of power-washing it and then re-staining the deck with a sealant to protect it against the weather.
•        Earlier I mentioned repainting the cabinets. Now, I'm saying to replace those handles on the doors. Swapping out an older looking or generic handle could make the room look completely different.
•         Replace the outlet and switch plates. This may seem like it won't make any difference, but trust me, it will.
•          Upgrade the fixtures. Most door knobs, faucets, and locks are all fairly cheap to paint. Or if it's in your budget you could replace them entirely.

Before you make any major changes, reach out to your real estate agent and ask them what they'd recommend. At Anna Maria Life we promise to help you with selling your home, buying a home, or even if you're looking for an investment opportunity. Call me, Billi, at 941-545-8877 with any real estate questions you have. It'd be my pleasure helping you with your search for your slice of paradise on Anna Maria Island.

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Follow These Tips to Save Energy Around Your Home

   Every year many people are spending more and more money on their electric bill without realizing how much they could be saving if they do a few simple things around their home. Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton beach are no exceptions! Did you know that the average Floridian spends over $125 for their electric bill? I was dumbfounded at how much my electric bill was for a 740 square foot home. My electric company told me a few tips to help reduce my bill, but nothing seemed to be working. I turned to the internet for help. After researching many sites, blogs, and other sources I found a few tips to try. Once I received my new bill, I must say the small stuff actually did make the bill lower and me happier. 

   Some of these tips I tried and it helped- and some of the others I'm listing as alternative methods that may be able to help you.

• Install a programmable thermostat on your air conditioner, if it doesn't already have one.
• Use shades and curtains on your windows.
• Clean and change your filters on your air conditioner regularly.
• Check all window and door seals to ensure you don't have any air leaks. This can save you up to 20% on your next bill.
• In the summer change your fan to counter-clockwise and in the winter change it to clockwise on low.
• Set your air conditioner to auto instead of on.
• Wash your clothes in cold water. Your laundry detergent will still work the same. :)
• Wash and dry all of your clothes at once. With your dyer already being warm, this will save you energy as opposed to letting it cool and have to re-heat.
• Try and do full loads of laundry. If you have to do a small load- make sure you change the load size.
• Change your light bulbs to the new and improved CFLs and LEDs.
• Look for the energy star label on your lights and other products to save energy.
• Turn off all lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use.
• Plug your electronics (and other items) into a power strip and turn them off that way. It's an easier way to turn off multiple devices at once.
• Use low-flow water faucets and showerheads.
• Reduce your water heater temperature to 130° F.
• Replace your old refrigerator (if it's from 1990 and older). 
• Shorten your showers
• Unplug your battery charges. These siphon energy even when you're not charging your device.
• Set up your computer to sleep or hibernate instead of using the screen saver. The screen saver actually uses more energy than either of the other two options. The best thing to do is to turn it off if you're not using it.

If after trying these tips and/or you're ready to look into a new house for sale on Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach reach out to me at 941-545-8877. I'd be more than happy to answer any and all real estate questions you have.

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Are You Relocating to a New Area?

Relocating to a New Area, Questions You Should Ask Yourself

Picking up and moving to Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach has a nice share of headaches to give. Will I be able to continue my current job? Should I move my own stuff or should I hire professional movers? Will I be able to continue my degree in the new area? Many Americans wish they could move to a Anna Maria Island, but they are not sure how to begin. Chances are, you are one of them. Before you being packing your belongings and hiring professional movers, consider these questions to make moving easier.

Can I afford it?

   This probably sound pretty obvious, but you can never plan enough when you are thinking of moving to Anna Maria Island. For some you may only be moving to a new city, but for others you may be moving to a different state entirely. Based on my experience last minute expenses come up as well as unexpected problems you may never predict that could happen. I always kept hoping for that ray of light that will guide me through the new unknown, living in a new area on my own. By having your expenses calculated and even some extra set on the side, you’ll be set for whatever comes your way. 

Moving for Your Job

   If you’re relocating for your job check with your company to see what they may cover. It’s very important to know what they may or may not help you with. Some employers may cover travel expenses for trying to find your new home on Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach, and may also cover shipping and packing services. You’ll save yourself some time and money by asking your company.

Decide on What You’re Moving

    Everyone has that favorite Lazyboy or that 50” Box TV, but is it really cost-effective to move them to your new home? Look at everything you have- especially furniture and electronics. Decide if it would make more sense to sell those items before moving and reinvesting in them once you arrive.

How Long do You Want to Stay There?

    Are you only wanting to stay for a year? Or do you see yourself raising your family and your grandchildren? You don’t have to necessarily have an answer to this, but it is good to think about. It will give you a better idea of where you’re wanting to go or aim for.

What About Your Vices?

Everyone has their vices. Their favorite skating rink, nail salon, boutique, fast food, etc. The thing that I loved, country ham biscuits and Cracker Barrel were the things I hoped would be near my new home. I reached my new house off of Anna Maria Island and began exploring restaurants hoping to find my two favorites. I did luckily find Cracker Barrel, but unfortunately still no luck for the country ham. However, I did find some new favorites like fish tacos, salmon, and more. If you’ve got those favorites you can’t do without, I suggest stocking up on them. 

What Are You Gaining By Moving to a New Area?

   This is a pretty cool question to play with. Think of what you can learn, do, and experience in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Anna Maria.  My favorite part about moving was that I moved from a very small town to a larger one. I have tons new restaurants, stores, and more to explore.

No matter where you’re going you’ve got tons of resources you can use: Internet, Papers, Real Estate Agents, and other people around you. Utilize all of those sources to help you make the best decision you can when you’re ready to relocate to a new area.

I really recommend checking out Lifehacker.com for more tips and such for relocating to a new area. To begin your search for that perfect home for sale on Anna Maria Island or any other real estate questions you may have please call me at 941-545-8877. Are you ready to be a part of the Anna Maria Life.

Check out available listings on Anna Maria Island here.

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Palmetto: Oceanfront Home for Sale

1760 Amberwynd Circle, Palmetto, FL 34221

This listing is perfect for relaxing and entertaining guests. The open floor plan expands throughout the home from the vast kitchen and gorgeous multi-tiered lanai to the heated saltwater pool with a cascading waterfall. Go out for a boating adventure anytime with your boat docked at the newly covered Trex deck with a 10,000 lb. lift. Enjoy family gatherings or events with the expansive backyard surrounded with lush vegetation.

Feel like you are on vacation everyday in this beautiful John Cannon style home. The style is a company called John Cannon Homes that is Southwest Florida's premier designer and builder of luxury custom homes. This home is located in the Snead Island West Amberwynd neighborhood and has a generous amount of space. The biggest appeal of this home is that you are living right on the water. You have an amazing view of the canals and are only minutes away from the Bradenton Beach Yacht Club and Emerson Point and Anna Maria Island Real Estate. It's unbelievable that the location that this house is in and the house itself is available for purchase instead of renting. Living on Snead Island is a unique experience that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and here it is!

      

 Click the Image above to go to the house listing

Property Details:

• 4 Bedrooms
• 3 Full Bathrooms
• 2,880 sq. feet
• Single Family Home
• 3 Car Garage
• Built in 2006
• Address: 1760 Amberwynd Circle, Palmetto, FL 34221
• Neighborhood: Snead Island Estates West Amberwynd

Interior Features:

• Kitchen: Walk-in Pantry, Built-in desk, and a Kitchen Island
• Bathrooms: Tub with separate shower stall, Dual sinks, and a Garden Bath in the Master Bathroom
• Bedroom: Walk-in Closet (Master Bedroom)
• Cathedral/ Vaulted Ceilings, Crown Moldings, Thermal Windows
• Washer/ Dryer Hookup
• Open Floor Plan
• Separate breakfast and formal dining room, Family room

Exterior/ Lot Features:

• Patio/Porch/ Screened in Deck
• Sliding doors
• Hot Tub/ Spa
• Balcony/ Sun Deck
• Gulf/ Ocean Access
• Intracoasta Waterway Access
• Heated Saltwater Pool with a Cascading Waterfall

View this house listing at: http://www.annamariaislandrealestateforsale.com/paradise-home-sale-palmetto-anna-maria-life-and-billi-gartman/

To schedule a tour, gathering further information on this property and to find similar listings, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

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Anna Maria Island Real Estate: Is now the time to Buy?

Time to Buy That Beach House?

 Whether you're an investor looking to add some property that you can sell for a profit down the road or just a buyer hoping to obtain a new home for your family, the decision to buy a house is huge. The whole market can seem like something completely alien to the average person. Is this a good time to look at buying a house on Anna Maria Island, Longboat key or the Bradenton area? And how can I even know if it is or isn't the right time to look at jumping in to real estate? Most of us don't understand all of the words and numbers being tossed around in news reports on home prices. Let's see if we can carve through all of that confusion and get to an answer.

 

If we want information about the state of the housing market, the National Association of Realtors seems like a good place to start. According to them, it's a great time to be looking at making a purchase. Interest rates are low and so are home prices. However, while prices are still lower than usual, how long they'll remain that way is difficult to know. In fact, the national average sales price for houses rose by ten percent in February and March compared to the same months just a year ago.

 There simply aren't as many homes available to purchase as we might normally see. A lot of homeowners are holding on to property until they see the market start reaching the sorts of numbers that we saw in 2006. That's when they made their purchase, and they aren't willing to eat a significant loss on a sale now. At the same time, construction of new houses is starting to get back on track, but it has a lot of bouncing back to do after years of minimal building.

 

On the other hand, there might be more potential buyers out there than would normally be expected. That same lack of available housing means that rent rates are increasing rapidly. If you could realistically purchase a house with a lower monthly mortgage payment than what you're paying now for rent, why wouldn't you be interested in owning your own home? And just like many sellers have been waiting to see what happens in the housing market, buyers have spent a few years parked on the side of the road to see if the traffic clears. Now that it has, and the price of the average home is down, they're putting the car in drive and getting back on to the highway.

So we have a glut of buyers hoping to land a property for cheaper than it might end up being worth, but also a lack of homes available for them to choose from. That doesn't sound like a market that will remain inexpensive for long. And it won't. Of course, as the prices go up, more of those hesitant sellers will begin to put their house on the market since it would now fetch a price more to their liking. So that side of it would seem to be fairly self-balancing, though certainly at a price level higher than what we're seeing now. That brings us to interest rates.

And interest rates remain the great unknown in all of this. Rates are currently low to try to spur the sort of increase in home purchases and new construction that we're beginning to see. How long rates will remain that low is the mystery. At what point will the recovery be declared secure enough that they're bumped up a notch or two? We simply don't know.

 Really, it comes down to what it always has come down to : Can you afford to make a buy in the current market? Maybe your credit was shattered like that of so many others, so it might make sense to spend a few years rebuilding that rating before diving back in. Or maybe you simply aren't in a position to make a big purchase right now. There's no shame in any of that. Just be honest about your own financial health and where it's likely to be in the near future, and decide for yourself if the time is right for you to be buying a house.

Anna Maria Island Real Estate Company

Looking for an Anna Maria Island real estate company that will help you find the exact home you you can call your own?

Maybe you need an Anna Maria Island real estate professional to help you feel your way through the current real estate market, answer questions and help you invest wisely in an Anna Maria Island revenue property or vacation rental.

Either way, you need look no further than Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate.

Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate

Located in the center of Anna Maria Island, Florida, in the community of Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island Beaches Real Estate will be more than happy to find your ideal home or vacation revenue property.

Give them a call at 941-567-6228.

Anna Maria Island Beach Real Estate is a locally owned and operated boutique style real estate company that specializes in Anna Maria Island properties only.

From beach front homes and canal homes to vacation rental revenue properties, AMI Beaches Real Estate will be happy to help you find the Anna Maria Island home or investment property that is right for you.

Anna Maria Island Real Estate Investment
and Revenue Property Specialists

One of the specialities of AMI Beaches Real Estate is real estate investment and revenue properties. Beaches Real Estate is fortunate to work with Anna Maria Island Accommodations and very successful local developer/investor Shawn Kaleta.

Anna Maria Island Accommodation is one of the largest vacation rental companies on Anna Maria Island. They currently manage over 200 properties and are experts when evaluating a home for its revenue generating ability. They bring Island knowledge and experience to the table.

Beaches Real Estate is also extremely excited to work with an extremely successful local developer and real estate investor Shawn Kaleta. Mr. Kaleta has built and sold over 100 properties on Anna Maria Island since 1999 and thoroughly understands the local real estate market in South West Florida. Mr Kaleta has been featured in numerous investment, entrepreneurial, real estate magazines and is always happy to loan advice on his real estate passion.

The real estate market in the Anna Maria Island area of Florida is Hot and Beaches Real Estate will help you find the perfect home or investment property on Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Island Beach Real Estate

5604B Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, Florida
Phone: 941-567-6228