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Selling Tips for Home Owners

SELLING TIPS FOR HOME OWNERS  (by Veronica Kraft)

Are you thinking of selling your home in this fast-moving real-estate market? Selling your house can often be stressful, especially when you’re still living inside the home. Here are some tips to make the experience go smoothly.

 

  1. Declutter Your Home

Rooms look larger once clutter is removed. Keep on the basic furniture and neutral wall pictures. Keep accessory items to the minimum. Remove extras such as personal pictures, children’s toys, countertop clutter and used animal toys & animal beds. Also remember to remove valuables from the home and to secure electronics before showings.

 

  1. Deep Clean Your House

Dust, vacuum and clean floors, kitchens cabinetry, countertops, bathrooms & house baseboards to remove dirt and scuff marks. This gives the appearance of a newer home. Remember that pet odors are more obviously noticed by newcomers, so deodorize rooms where pets are housed.

 

  1. Apply Fresh Paint to the Walls

A fresh coat of paint adds a lot to a home. Apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls, use neutral tones and colors that appeal to a wider spectrum of individuals. Don’t forget to touch up the front door, which is a first impression focal point for potential buyers.

 

  1. Fix Obvious Repairs

If you have obvious small-to-medium sized repairs that need to be made, that are not of high value, fix them before selling your home. Small repairs such as tightening door knobs and fixtures, replacing burnt-out light fixtures, filling in holes in walls, securing baseboards, and repairing small cracks will go a long way with appearance issues when showing your home. Also remember to weed the shrubbery and trim landscaping to welcome potential buyers from the outside in.

 

  1. Clean & Straighten the House

Remember that as others come through your home, they may notice dishes in the sink, an un-made bed, a messy floor or countertop, standing laundry or stinky trash that hasn’t been disposed of. Make a house-cleaning checklist and stick to it weekly to ensure a clean home before and during showings.

 

  1. Hire a Professional Real Estate Agent

Using a professional to market, repair and stage your home is highly recommended. Not all agents are the same, and a few have significantly more experience than others. Some tips to finding a professional agent include asking the right questions. Questions to ask a prospective real-estate agent include:

 

  • How long have you been practicing real estate? Is this your full-time job?
  • Do you represent buyers and sellers?
  • How many years have you been in this region of the state?
  • What neighborhoods do you specialize in?
  • How do you rank within your company?
  • How many homes have you sold in this neighborhood?
  • How would you market my home?
  • Do you recommend any repairs or improvements for my home to sell?
  • Can you send me some client references?
  • How much do you charge?

 

  1. Remember that Pricing is Essential

After hiring an agent, listen to the agent’s advice regarding comps and pricing. Often times, homeowners make the mistake of having too much of an emotional attachment to the home, which prevents them from accepting an offer at the agent’s recommended price. But keep in mind that your agent has done research on comparable homes, which have sold in your neighborhood. These “comparables” or “comps”, set the base price for your home, along with your agent’s added expert considerations. Correct pricing is essential to selling your home efficiently and effectively. Listen to the advice of your agent.

 

8. Call Gilles Rais Fine Homes for Assistance

Gilles Rais has been the leading real-estate agent in the South Florida market for years. Backed by the Coldwell Banker name, he ranks as one of the top agents in the company in the South Florida area. With 25 years of experience in the community and a wealth of knowledge in the industry, Gilles has developed an impressive clientele of local families, global investors, business leaders, worldwide athletes & celebrities, who have entrusted him with a lifetime of real-estate transactions. As a result, he is revered as an expert in real estate in South Florida. To contact Gilles Rais for a complimentary consultation of your home’s value in today’s market, contact him today at 954.304.1579.

 

Florida Architecture is Morphing in 2021

FLORIDA ARCHITECTURE IS MORPHING IN 2021 (by Veronica Kraft)

In real estate, architectural styles are morphing for 2021. Here’s a glimpse of what we are currently seeing in the state of Florida.

MOST POPULAR IS THE CONTEMPORARY LOOK

Contemporary architecture is still popular along the coast and in urban areas, showcasing geometric shapes & lines, flat roofs, open rooms, high ceilings & floor-to-ceiling windows. This look shows square and rectangular windows and oversized panes for a natural lighting affect.

MEDITERRANEAN & SPANISH ARCHITECTURE

Stucco walls, arched entryways & wrought iron details depict the also popular Mediterranean-styled homes in Florida. These ornate houses feature partitioned rooms, low-pitched roofs, barrel tiles, wrought-iron balconies & terra-cotta floors. Despite having been designed in previous years, these homes are still liked among those not favoring the contemporary look.

RANCH HOMES

One level floor plans, often called ranches, are still common in the Southeast. These houses are often wider than tall, and feature split floor plans, flat roofs, clay tiles & attached garages. Pool areas are easily created off the back of these homes.

VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE

These narrow and tall, wood-frame homes feature quaint porches, roof trim & detailed wood-panel accents. Often found in historic cities, these wood frame homes have old-fashioned charm, but are not as favorable during hurricane season.

For the latest in Florida designs, keep updated on The Gilles Rais Fine Homes Team blog page.

 

#floridarchitecture #floridahomes #newconstructionhomes #realestateinflorida #floridarealestate #realestateagentsinflorida

 

The Gilles Rais Fine Homes Team | Coldwell Banker

901 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

954.304.1579

gillesrais.com

Considering remodeling? Here are some Top Tips for home remodeling projects…

 

(by Veronica Kraft)

According to remodeling & home valuation gurus, kitchens and bathrooms are where to put your money. In fact, a major kitchen remodel will return 91% – 98% of your investment funds, ROI wise, whereas a minor bathroom remodel will yield even more return—averaging a 102% ROI. With both in mind, here are more details on what to do when remodeling…

Create an Open Kitchen

Opening up the floorplan of your kitchen to the living area is the number one item on the list for best investment kitchen remodels. If your kitchen has a divider wall that can be removed, it is recommended that this be done to create an open floorplan look & feel, since many home buyers want to entertain while preparing food.

An inexpensive and quick way to update your kitchen includes replacing old hardware with new pieces, including new cabinet knobs and door handles in the latest style & color. This simple fix can go a long way when it comes to appearance.

Often times, owners want to relocate the kitchen sink, but remodels of this type require a higher investment level. Consider avoiding this, unless you plan on updating the pipes as well in the process. Otherwise, this modification may cost more in the long run.

Modernize the Bathroom

The bathroom is where many seek private comfort. An updated look is important, so often times, simply updating the light fixtures or replacing an old shower head with a new one, can go a long way. Make subtle changes to brighten up and modernize the bathroom, lighting and cabinetry.

One simple change recommended to make to a small, dark bathroom lighter would be to install a ‘light tube’, instead of creating a new window in the wall, which requires invasive renovation and is much more costly. Light tubes can be bought inexpensively and installed relatively easily.

Don’t Forget Curb Appeal

The front door of a home can attract buyers if it looks welcoming. Apply a fresh coat of paint to the door or replace the door entirely for an updated, more modern look.

Front yard landscaping is also one investment that helps curb appeal. Install plants and greenery that will grow to provide privacy around windows and doors after growing. Don’t forget about proper outdoor lighting around the front door & front walkway.

‘Do It Yourself’ Home Projects

Looking for ‘Do It Yourself’ Home projects to work on this summer?

Here are a few simple DIY ideas for you to work on…

(by Veronica Kraft)

1. Repaint the kitchen cabinets to create a more modern look & feel.

2. Waterproof children’s bathrooms by installing rubber flooring with easy sticky backing.

3. Freshen up the front door with a new coat of paint.

4. Repaint old discolored sinks & tubs using hardware store sink paint.

5. Perk up your master bathroom with a home installed chandelier.

6. Wallpaper one short wall as an accent to a dull colored room.

7. Turn a closet into a small home office by replacing slatted shelves with solid wood shelving. Remove the door and add a small chair.

These small DIY projects can make a big difference in updating an outdated home. For more do-it-yourself home projects, check out our website blog page.

 

#homeremodeling #homeprojects #houseremodel #doityourselfprojects #coldwellbanker #southfloridahomes

 

The Gilles Rais Fine Homes Team | Coldwell Banker

901 E. Las Olas Boulevard #101

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

954.304.1579

gillesrais.com

Why Naples?

A paradise for taxes

Florida residents reap many financial benefits. Unlike states in the Northeast, neither Florida nor Naples has a state or individual income tax, so Social Security benefits, pension income and income from an IRA or 401(k) are all untaxed. Florida also has no estate or inheritance tax. And unlike other states, there’s no so-called “death tax,” so loved ones don’t have to worry about paying taxes on the right to transfer a property.

Good health

Residents in Naples eat healthy and exercise regularly, and it shows. People in Naples have low levels of depression, stress and anxiety, according to the Gallup findings. The area is particularly appealing to retirees who want to move to an area with warm temperatures year-round.

Shopping

Need some shopping therapy? Naples is home to outstanding outdoor malls that have a great balance of upscale stores and top-rated restaurants, as well as local farmers markets and small boutiques.

Outdoor adventures

Naples is one of the country’s top golf destinations with more than 80 championship courses in the area. Favorite courses include TPC Treviso Bay, in the heart of Naples, and Pelicans Nest Golf Club in nearby Bonita Springs. If golf isn’t your game, watersports such as fishing, boating and nature-focused activities like hiking are easily available.

Quality schools

The Naples area enjoys a strong public-school system that is balanced by an equally strong number of private and parochial offerings. The area is also home to an accredited liberal arts college, Ave Maria University, which has a variety of cultural and educational offerings that appeal to people of all ages.

Glad to spell out 5 top reasons to live in Naples. Thinking of moving here? The Gilles Rais Fine homes team is here to help you.

Call us at 954.304.1579 for more info.

Luxury Waterfront Home Sales are UP! Showing Significant increases past 30 days

Seven ultra luxury waterfront homes over $5.5 million dollars have sold in the past 30 days in Fort Lauderdale. Three of them sold for $10.9, $11.5 and $12.2 million dollars respectively. The sales price per SF range varies based on home finishes, location, waterfront feet, size of the lot and much more. Sales price per sf range is $719/SF to $1424/SF. If you have been waiting for the “right” time… The time is NOW. Contact a member of the Gilles Rais Fine Homes Team today.

For more details visit the Real Deal. 

 

Exploring Luxury Fort Lauderdale High Rises

These are the lavish high rises that Fort Lauderdale has to offer

Fort Lauderdale is typically known as the smaller, more low-key sibling of Miami in terms of luxury high rises, however that’s changing. Here’s a list of the most luxurious high rises in Fort Lauderdale via Fort Lauderdale Daily.

PARAMOUNT Fort Lauderdale Beach

Zip up to your mansion in the sky along Fort Lauderdale beach in your private elevator. And that’s just the beginning of the elegant and exclusive amenities this property offers its residents. With a variety of floor plans, this building features units ranging from 1,910 to 3,500 square feet, including two-story residences and penthouses with nearly 6,000 square feet of wraparound terraces boasting a private rooftop swimming pool and plenty of entertaining space. The building also has valet, a state-of-the-art gym, summer kitchens with grills as well as special pool and beachside service for owners.

W Residences Fort Lauderdale

Hotel perks make any vacation extra special, and these residences allow you to experience them daily and not just on holiday. Each waterfront unit comes with a slew of resort amenities that have made the W brand synonymous with glamour and style, such as private cabanas, the full-service AWAY spa, 315 feet of sandy beaches and exclusive concierge services. Inside, residences boast 9-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, Italian kitchen cabinets, polished stone countertops, designer fixtures throughout and plush W Hotel beds for that perfect nightly slumber.

Riverwalk Residences of Las Olas

The baby boomer generation just got a little bit cooler. This $220 million project is bringing luxury senior living to downtown. Just steps from Las Olas with views of the city’s skyline and Tarpon River, this property will blend city living and a waterfront lifestyle into 179 independent living units, 60 assisted living units and 39 memory care units plus two dedicated floors to those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Amenities available to residents will include restaurants, a full-service spa, fitness center, theater, pool, valet and an event space.

Click here to see the full list in Fort Lauderdale Daily.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale Apartment Project Gets A New Partner

Lincoln Property Co. has joined the new development on Las Olas

The Dallas based developer want’s in on the Fort Lauderdale action.

The new apartment building, which will stand at 32 stories and boast 374 units is now being helmed by Eden Multifamily, Cypress Equity Investments and Lincoln.

The project at 419 Southeast 2nd Street is slated to begin construction this month.

Lincoln is one of the largest multifamily managers in the United States with over 191,000 doors under management.

Click here for the full story in The Real Deal.

Maroon 5 Headlining Hard Rock Live Grand Opening

The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will be brought in by the Grammy winning act

The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is making a big splash – so it only make sense that it be brought in big and loud.

To help them out, Hard Rock is bringing in Maroon 5 to mark the event and open in the new Hard Rock Live venue – a 6,500 seat auditorium created to host many more concerts and events just like this.

It happens Friday, October 25th 2019.

Click here for the full details in Go Riverwalk.

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