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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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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Beautiful Snead Island Home for Sale in Palmetto

ANNA MARIA REAL ESTATE
exclusively presents

1760 Amberwynd Circle W.

Just put on the market on Snead Island, Palmetto. This stunning waterfront property for sale will be your dream home. Enjoy majestic views of the bay in this 4 bedroom and 3 bath house. The aquarium style windows gives you a wondrous view of your multi-tiered lanai and screened in heated swimming pool.

Made up of many small neighborhoods, Snead Island is counted as one of the most sought out areas in the county. Classified as a waterfront and boating community, Amberwynd is a small community that holds special group activities. Enjoy docking your boat at the newly renovated Trex deck dock with a 10,000 lb. boat lift. Another plus about this newly added real estate property is the enormous backyard and the spacious kitchen.

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

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Beautiful Real Estate Listing for Sale in Bradenton

 

Check out this cozy 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom in Perico Bay Club. Featuring a glass enclosed and tile floored lanai this home is the perfect real estate option for anyone looking to live close to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton. Another plus about this home is that it's close to the Robinson Preserve and Neil Preserve. Check out the full real estate listing for this beautiful condo that's for sell.  #AnnaMariaIsland   #PericoBayClub   #Bradento   #realestate  #condoforsale  

   1008 Ibis Court <Real Estate Listing>

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

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What to do to get your home prepped for showing day

You’re ready to show your home to potential buyers, but you’re not sure what to do to make it show ready. We’ve compiled a small list of things to help you out.

• Detach yourself from the home- Now that the property is on the market for sale it’s best to start calling it your property instead of home. By doing this you’ll be able to separate from the home and sell it. This is leading into the next tip: depersonalize your property.
• Depersonalize the property- Remove family photos, religious items, trophies, artwork from your children, etc. When a potential buyer is looking at your property they’re going to be imagining what it would be like as their home. By having any personal items removed it will make it much easier for them to imagine it as theirs.
• Remove any signs of a pet- Your pet’s bed/ litter box has a distinct smell that could turn away potential buyers. Stow them away inside the house somewhere, though it’s probably best to remove them completely from the property.
• Make sure it looks clean- If a potential buyer walks into your property and notices that it is dirty they will probably walk back out. This is the time to SUPER CLEAN the house from top to bottom- steam the carpets, mop & wax the floors, clean your windows inside & outside, and make sure your appliances are scoured. Make sure to have fresh garbage bags in your trash cans. Really clean those handrails, stair banisters, and any other items that have a “Touch Me” texture to them.
• Make sure it smells clean too- Now that your property is clean make sure it smells clean too. Air your home out to get rid of any odors. Make sure to remove pet items as well. Your pet’s bed/ litter box will leave a lingering smell. A good way to make your property inviting is appealing to their nose. Bake a fresh batch of cookies, some bread, or even brew some coffee. Not only will the house smell nice you’ll also have something to offer your guests. If it’s cold outside make some hot cocoa or some cider it will have a nice affect to your guests.
• Clean out those closets!- If a potential buyer sees all the closets jam packed with a bunch of stuff they’re going to worry about space. Clean out and organize your closets to give them the illusion that there is tons of room.

These are only a few tips of many that can help you prep for showing day. Check out Pintrest and other social media sites to get some ideas. 

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This cozy villa is perfect for your island getaway!

Are you looking for a gated community? Are you looking for a cozy home for you and your family? Are you wanting your home to be placed right between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton? This cozy two bed and two bath villa features a tiled lanai, an over-sized garage, and community amenities. Perico Bay Club is a nice gated community that has an Olympic sized pool, tennis courts, and a clubhouse. The residents at Perico Bay Club hold numerous meetings, parties, and events at the community clubhouse. 1008 Ibis Court is located close the the side entrance for the Robinson Preserve and Neil Preserve. You can also catch a ride on the trolley to the island that gives you access to Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Anna Maria. Click the link below to see the full listing for 1008 Ibis Court or gives us a call at 931-565-8877.

http://www.annamariaislandrealestateforsale.com/cozy-villa-sale-perico-bay-club-anna-maria-life-and-billi-gartman/

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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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