How to Keep Your Utility Bills Low

As a homeowner, costs can really start to add up, so it never hurts to take measures to help you reduce your monthly utility bills. Below are a few ways to do just that!

Electricity Bill: Saving money on your electricity bill can be done multiple ways. Some easy changes include running appliances, like the stove, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, at night, opting to air dry clothes, or cooking meals in a crockpot or toaster oven. Set aside time throughout the year to inspect the areas around doors and windows and seal any cracks with caulk or weather stripping. Additionally, make sure to unplug electronics when not in use or use a power strip to turn them all off at once.

Water Bill: Your monthly water bill can sneak up on you, but small changes can be made to cut costs. Install WaterSense-certified faucets and shower heads and convert toilets to low flow to reduce the amount of water used. Make sure to regularly check toilets and sinks for leaks and repair them. Opt for using your dishwasher instead of hand-washing and ensure it's a full load each time. Also, don’t forget to turn off water while brushing your teeth and shaving.

Gas Bill: Investing in some changes up front can make a difference on your natural gas bill long term. Add insulation in your attic and around your water heater and pipes. Make sure to repair any leaks in your ducts, inspect your furnace regularly, and check your home for any blocked vents that could cause your gas heating system to work overtime. You can also reduce the temperature of your water heater.

Three Ways to Ease Your Fears About Making a Move

With low inventory in many markets throughout the country, many homeowners are afraid to sell their homes because they’re concerned that they may not be able to find a new one.

This can be a real problem, but if you are seeking to sell—whether to upgrade or find a new neighborhood—there are a few ways to combat the low inventory.

1. Look to buy first

In most markets it is a real mistake to put your home up for sale before you start looking for your new property.

Identify the geographic area where you are interested in buying. Even if you don't see anything on Zillow, it doesn't mean you can't or won't find the right home.

2. Think outside the box

Be proactive! Keep in mind that there are probably many people like you who want to make a move but are afraid as well. Have your real estate agent send a letter to the neighborhoods in the geographic areas where you want to live. The letter should be heartfelt and personal while announcing that you are ready to buy a home in that neighborhood. You could find a home to buy that may not even be currently listed or for sale.

3. Protect yourself legally

Each state varies in how the purchase process is conducted. Talk to your real estate professional about adding a clause in the purchase contract for the home you are selling that will enable you to not sell the home if you cannot find a suitable home to buy.

How Your Daily Drive Time Can Factor into Your Mortgage

It’s easy to overlook some of the things that can affect your budget and purchasing power when you’re considering a home, and one of the biggest factors that buyers overlook is the cost of their daily commute.

We’ve all heard that real estate is all about “location, location, location,” and properties in more desirable locations typically come with a higher price tag than similar properties that aren’t in a hot neighborhood.

Yet the overall cost of living for choosing one location over another might be negligible when you factor in the commuting costs that are required—gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance—if you purchase a home that is significantly further from your workplace. If your mortgage is $200 less per month, but you’re spending an extra $200 in commuting costs, are you really saving money?

Commuting costs aren’t just about the disposable income left in your bank account, either. It can even affect how much money you can borrow. If you’re a long-distance commuter, a loan officer may factor your travel costs into your debt-to-income ratio.

Aside from how commuting affects your purchasing power or disposable income, there’s also the question of how it affects your quality of life—no one wants to spend hours a week just getting to and from work.

The real estate market varies greatly from location to location, so the best way to get a complete picture of your purchasing power—and all the factors that go into your home budget—is to speak to a trusted real estate professional. 

Five Things That Make Us Happy With Our Homes

According to a survey conducted by houzz.com, here are five things that consistently make people happy with their homes.

1. Big windows and comfortable furniture: Nearly 75 percent of respondents listed these two items as major difference-makers. It’s a no-brainer—people like lots of light and a good place to relax.

2. A big-screen TV: This is more likely to be a key feature for men than women. 40 percent of men said having a big-screen TV makes them happy with their homes, compared to just 17 percent of women.

3. Overall design and layout: 87 percent of the 6,000 people surveyed said the design of the home is a major contributor to overall happiness. If you’re unhappy with your home and there’s a project you’ve been wanting to tackle, get to it!

4. Home cookin’: 39 percent of respondents said the scent of good cooking or baking made them happiest. Clearly, it helps to have a capable chef around the house!

5. Keep it tidy: 72 percent of homeowners said they’re happiest when their houses are clean and well-organized. If you want to be happier with your home, try having a place for everything, and put everything in its place.

 

Which Features are Young Buyers Looking for in a Home?

With historically low interest rates, the market is hot this summer, and it's a great time to sell because inventory is low and there is an abundance of home buyers home shopping right now. Millennials are the second-largest segment of home buyers, ranking behind only baby boomers, according to the National Association of Realtors. Here are five features that tend to entice millennials who are looking to buy.

An up-to-date kitchen and bath

Younger buyers often have limited funds for renovations, so it’s important that they have functional and inviting bathroom and kitchen spaces from the very start.

An open floor plan

Having a formal dining room isn’t of particular importance to millennials, in fact, many prefer open spaces with no separation between kitchen, living room, and dining room. An open concept makes it easier to entertain everyone at once.

An office

More and more jobs are offering work-from-home options, and there are also plenty of freelancers and telecommuters among millennials. A dedicated space for getting some work done can be a key attraction.

Friendly location

With gas prices rising, many millennials prefer walking, biking, or public transit for their commutes. A great location is key.

Energy savings

Millennials are often more conscious of energy conservation and efficiency. Energy-efficient appliances, energy-efficient windows, and quality insulation can make a huge difference.

Phrases to Avoid When You're Buying a Home

Sometimes you need to keep a poker face when you’re buying a home. It’s not in your best interest to be totally candid with the seller and listing agent when you’re considering a home. Here  are a few things that are better left unsaid:

“This is at the top end of our budget”: Don’t let the listing agent know that a home is at the top of your budget. You want to keep all the bargaining chips you can, and letting the seller know your budget can hurt you when it comes time to negotiate.

“I hate the paint”: Or furniture. Or cabinets. Or any of the decor. No matter how hideous the wallpaper in the kitchen is, take care not to insult the seller’s taste. If they’re considering multiple offers, you don’t want to be the buyer that offended the seller!

“We can’t wait to renovate”: Customization is one of the big perks of homeownership, but it’s best to keep your renovation plans quiet for the moment. The seller may have a lot of memories in the home, and may not appreciate your plans to immediately tear down some walls.

It's Great Time to Buy, so You May Be Wondering Which Down Payment Strategy is Right for You?

If you have been following the real estate market, you have probably heard that interest rates are low making now a great time to buy. You may be seriously considering starting a home search and take advantage of the low rates. However, it's possible you are concerned about having enough of a down payment.

You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders.

But there can actually be financial benefits to putting down a small down payment—as low as three percent—rather than parting with so much cash up front, even if you have the money available.

THE DOWNSIDE

The downsides of a small down payment are pretty well known. You’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance for years, and the lower your down payment, the more you’ll pay. You’ll also be offered a lesser loan amount than borrowers who have a 20-percent down payment, which will eliminate some homes from your search.

THE UPSIDE

The national average for home appreciation is about five percent. The appreciation is independent from your home payment, so whether you put down 20 percent or three percent, the increase in equity is the same. If you’re looking at your home as an investment, putting down a smaller amount can lead to a higher return on investment, while also leaving more of your savings free for home repairs, upgrades, or other investment opportunities.

THE HAPPY MEDIUM

Of course, your home payment options aren’t binary. Most borrowers can find some common ground between the security of a traditional 20 percent and an investment-focused, small down payment. Your trusted real estate professional can provide some answers as you explore your financing options.

Dunedin's Best of 2020

Dunedin, Florida is located on the Florida's Gulf Coast. It is home to stunning sandy beaches, the Dunedin Blue Jays, spring training for the Toronto Blue Jays, and numerous outstanding restaurants, shops, and locations. 

In the May/June 2020 issue of Tampa Bay Magazine, readers voted for their "best of" favorites. Over 25 businesses, restaurants, and locations throughout Dunedin appeared in this year's list providing additional reasons why if you haven't yet, a visit to Dunedin must be on your to do list, and with all that it has to offer, if you are considering a Florida move, Dunedin should definitely be on your list of possible home shopping locations. 

Best Art Center Dining - Palm Café, 1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin

Best Art Classes - Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin

Best Bagels - Dunedin Bagels and Deli, 716 Main St, Dunedin

Best Bakery - The Scone Age Bakery and Cafe, 332 Skinner Blvd, Dunedin

Best Boat Ride - Caladesi Island Ferry, leaves from the west end of Dunedin Causeway

Best Bookstore - Back in the Day Books, 355 Main St, Dunedin

Best Breakfast - Our Place, 1617 Main St, Dunedin

Best Cajun Food - Happy's Bayou Bites, 431 Skinner Blvd, Dunedin

Best Casual Seafood - Old Bay Cafe & Dunedin Fish Market, 51 Main St, Dunedin

Best Chinese Cuisine - Ha Long Bay, 2192 Main St, Dunedin

Best Cookies - Kookie Krums, 513 Main St, Dunedin

Best Dry Cleaners - Dunedin's Dry Cleaners, 304 Monroe St, Dunedin

Best Florida-Style Cuisine - Hog Island Fish Camp, 900 Broadway, Dunedin

Best Gastro Pub - Clear Sky Draught Haus, 680 Main St, Dunedin

Best Gourmet Pizza - Pan y Vino Brick Oven Pizza & Wine Bar, 369 Main St, Dunedin

Best Grouper Sandwich - Frenchy's Outpost Bar & Grill, 466 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin

Best History Museum - Dunedin History Museum, 349 Main St, Dunedin

Best Homestyle Italian Dining - Julian's Little Italy, 916-A Patricia Ave, Dunedin

Best Ice Cream - Strachan's Homemade Ice Cream, 310 Main St, Dunedin

Best Leather Repair - J&M Shoe Repair, 1107 Main St, Dunedin

Best Mexican Restaurant - Casa Tina, 365 Main St, Dunedin

Best Outdoor Dining - The Terrace Café at Bon Appétit, 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin

Best Restaurant on the Pinellas Trail - Cafe Alfresco, 344 Main St, Dunedin

Best Sandwiches - Marguerite's Cafe and Catering, 405 Plaza Dr, Dunedin

Best Waterfront Restaurant - Bon Appétit Restaurant, 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin

Best Wedding Venue - Historic Andrews Memorial Chapel, 1899 San Mateo Drive, Dunedin

Best Wieners - Hot Dogs on Main, 505 Main St, Dunedin

As Tampa Bay Magazine's Best of 2020 shows, Dunedin offers a wide variety of locations that are loved by many throughout Tampa Bay. Come to Dunedin, fall in love! 

Make sure to pick up the May/June 2020 Issue of Tampa Bay Magazine to learn more about all the winners in Dunedin and see the complete list with all of the fabulous winners throughout the Tampa Bay area. 

5 Negotiating Tactics That Can Kill a Sale

Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly. Here are some negotiation tactics buyers (and real estate professionals) should avoid:

Lowball offers: Going far below market value when you make an offer damages your credibility as a buyer and can be insulting to the seller. The seller has a range in mind that they’ll accept, and if you’re not even approaching the low end of that range, they won’t even consider the offer.

Incremental negotiations: Don’t continue to go back to the seller with small increases in your offer ($1,000 or less). The constant back-and-forth can grow tiresome and lead the seller to consider other opportunities.

“Take it or leave it”: Try not to draw a line in the sand with your initial offer. The seller can get defensive and consider other offers if you immediately show that you’re unwilling to budge. Even if it’s true, don’t make a show of it.

Nitpicking after inspection: Obviously if inspection reveals a major issue, it should be factored into the final sale price. But insisting on a lower price for every minor repair can put negotiations in a stalemate.

Asking for more, more, more: Some buyers will request that the sellers throw in add-ons like furniture or appliances that weren’t included in the listing. Try to avoid giving the seller a reason to build up resentment and think that you’re being greedy.

Priority To Do List for Moving Day

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.

Change the locks

Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.

Steam clean the carpets

It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner—your local grocery store or hardware store may have them available.

Call an exterminator

Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home.

Clean out the kitchen

If the previous occupants wanted to skip on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of cabinets, clean out the refrigerator, clean the oven, and clean in the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.

Dunedin Spotlight: Lane's Lemonade

Did you know citrus has been a part of Dunedin, Florida's history since the 1880s? This is Florida after all! In addition to its rich Scottish history, Dunedin is known for its history of oranges, orange groves, and citrus packing. In 1888, the Orange Belt Railway became the first railroad through Dunedin, and although there were passenger trains, its primary source of income was citrus shipments.

Today the former railway depot is now the Dunedin History Museum, and what was once railroad tracks is the popular Pinellas Trail. On the trail, next to the museum, is an eye-catching red boxcar, and fittingly, the boxcar is home to Lane's Lemonade.

This perfectly placed, not to be missed, juice business offers freshly squeezed lemonade, orangeade, and limeade as well as sandwiches, ice cream, and milkshakes. When walking or riding along the Pinellas Trail, Lane's Lemonade is the perfect place to stop for a break and a refreshment. My personal favorite is the vanilla-orange swirl ice cream. As you can imagine, it tastes like a Dreamsicle, and I would say it's the best tasting Dreamsicle I've ever had.

When you're in Dunedin, Florida, pay tribute to the town's citrus history and be sure to make a stop at Lane's Lemonade for a refreshing lemonade and delectable ice cream treat.

Ideas for Accent Walls

An accent wall can totally transform a room, taking it from boring and drab to bold and exciting. Accent walls create a new focal point for your space, add liveliness and contrast, and are typically a very inexpensive DIY project.

The starter accent wall

You can easily add an accent wall to your room in one afternoon by applying a new paint color. Deep blues and bright oranges are common choices for accent walls, but choose a color that will complement your existing decor and overall design aesthetic.

Interesting textures

Bright, contrasting paint is a good starting point, but there are other options for accent walls that are even more eye-catching and distinct. Floor-to-ceiling wood planks can make your home seem both rustic and modern all at once and provide a natural, outdoors-inspired feel. It’s more work than simply painting a wall, but it’s still relatively inexpensive. You can source the wood from pallets on Craigslist and stain it yourself before attaching it to your wall. It takes a little extra elbow grease, but it’s worth the effort.

Patterns, murals, and more

Paint and wood are bold enough on their own to transform a room, but they’re still pretty subtle compared to other accent wall options. A chalk paint accent wall is a creative idea for any room and makes for some fun moments when you’re entertaining. There are also endless options for wallpaper and stenciling if you want some patterns or you can get really bold with a mural or oversized art print.

Some Good News

Right now, as we are all at home following Safe at Home orders and practicing social distancing, one thing we all need is something to keep us smiling. When things don't seem to be going your way and you're surrounded by negativity, sometimes the best thing you can do is just laugh and keep swimming because this too shall pass.

Thankfully, mixed among all the negative news out there you can still find an abundance of good news to provide a needed dose of optimism. Sometimes you may need to look a little harder to find that happy news, but thankfully, some are making it easy to find it all in one place. For the last few years, one of my favorite sources for good news is Good News Network.

More recently, another favorite source for positivity comes from one of my favorite actors, John Krasinski, and his weekly Some Good News "broadcasts" on YouTube. He posts every Sunday evening and delivers about 15 minutes of uplifting news. If you haven't watched any of these yet, you can check out the first three episodes below. 

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay magical. Just keep smiling.

Episode 1: 

Episode 2:

Episode 3:

A few notes about Mortgage Forbearance

What is mortgage forbearance? With a mortgage forbearance, you and your mortgage company agree to temporarily suspend your mortgage payments for a period of time. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act borrowers with government-backed mortgages are allowed a maximum 12 months of forbearance.

What is a government-backed loan? They are home loans owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (which make up about half of all mortgages in the U.S.); or insured by HUD, the VA, or the USDA. However, there is a difference between who owns a loan and who services your loan. The mortgage servicer is in charge of administrative aspects of a loan i.e. payments, handling escrow accounts, etc., which means your loan could be serviced by Chase Bank and owned by Fannie Mae.

How do I know who owns my loan? An easy way to find out who owns your loan is to call your mortgage servicer and ask them. They will also be able to tell you what options are available to you. You can also try to find out online who owns your loan:

Look up your loan at Fannie Mae
Look up your loan at Freddie Mac

When do I need to pay back the missed payments after forbearance? This is the most important question to ask when you are contacting your mortgage servicer about a forbearance. There are different repayment options, and it is important to understand what is being offered to you.

What are the repayment options? You will need to speak to your servicer directly to know exactly what your repayment options are. I am not a lender and cannot tell you what your repayment options would be. Commonly, with a mortgage forbearance, some of the repayment options include Lump-Sum Payment (all missed payments paid in one payment after forbearance period), Short-Term Repayment Plan (missed payments are divided and paid back over a period of time, usually about 6 months, in addition to your usual mortgage payment), or Extended Loan Modification (the missed payments get tacked on to the end of the loan). Whatever the repayment option is, please make sure it is something you will be able to do because failure to pay under the repayment plan will, unfortunately, lead to foreclosure by the bank.

What if my loan is not government-backed and is privately owned? Unfortunately, privately owned loans are not covered under the CARES Act. However, the government is encouraging lenders to work with their customers, and most are motivated to help and offer options. You will need to reach out to your lender to find out what is being offered.

This is a short, basic explanation of mortgage forbearance and the different repayment options available based upon my own personal experience and research. I am by no means an expert, and this is merely meant as some guidance and understanding. Each lender is different, and each loan is different. If you are considering forbearance, you will need to speak with your lender to know who owns your loan, to understand the options available to you, and to learn exactly what the terms of those options are.   

Tower Life... Day ... Ummm... What day is it?

I have not posted recently about what I have been doing to pass the time while social distancing, and honestly the last few days have all been fairly similar as I worked out a new routine. One thing is for sure, no matter what I just keep swimming and remain grateful for all the good still surrounding us.

As most of you know, I am a Realtor®, and I am lucky enough to work for a brokerage, eXp Realty, that is completely virtual which means we have always been set up to be able to work from home easily and efficiently. That said, I have been spending a lot of time working at home and at the office (with only about 3 of us at the office at the time, we are able to practice social distancing and stay safe). In these changing times, the Floridays team is doing everything we can to still serve our clients and keep the health and safety of everyone our top priority. You can see the video from our team leader, Mark Middleton, explaining exactly what it is we are doing on our Facebook page HERE.

Many have asked me how the real estate market is doing right now. In some ways, things have slowed down. However, I have buyers who are actively looking, and I showed some properties at the end of last week. There are still sellers looking to list their homes. We had a new listing last week, and two more this week so far. With the ability to look at properties online and virtual showings and virtual open houses, there are still many ways to sell real estate and practice social distancing.

Personally, when I have met with buyers for showings, we greeted each other with a wave and a smile. We maintained distances from each other. I traveled with my long-time, loyal companion: hand sanitizer. Honestly, you can see it is well loved, and when I had a buyer tell me they couldn't find any, I gifted them an extra travel size bottle I brought along. To be honest, I have been collecting and storing hand sanitizer for years. I did not panic buy hand sanitizer or soap because it was not necessary. I already had that much stocked up. Will I need to stock up again after this is all over? Yes. Absolutely. 100% yes.

As for life outside of real estate, I really have started to turn into Rapunzel living in her tower. To date, I have completed five puzzles with another in progress, and one and a half books. I made two shirts on the Cricut. I did laundry. I have been cooking. Cleaned and cleaned and sanitized. I've colored. Played Sudoku and Words with Friends. FaceTimed with friends and family.  I have escaped my tower for a few outdoor walks as well for some much need fresh air and sunshine.

If you are like me and still feeling a little stir crazy at times, hang in there. For now, enjoy the time at home with family, play that game you've been meaning to play, do that craft project you bought supplies for months ago, read that book on your shelf, do that at home project you kept putting off. 

I believe as people calm down and adapt to the changes, find their new routine and normal for the time being, things will stabilize and get better. We will bounce back from this. Be kind to one another, take care of each other, and together we can flatten the curve.

5 Secret Weapons You Already Have For DIY Projects

As we enter into the second week of social distancing, if you are like me you may be going a little stir crazy trying to figure out what to do next to make productive use of your time at home. You may be thinking of some at home projects you have been meaning to tackle but keep putting off. This weekend I spent some time redoing my closet installing a new shelf and bar. However, I had the materials already, so a trip to Home Depot was not necessary.

Right now, you may have a home maintenance project that’s been lingering on your to-do list that you finally want to tackle, but you can't make the trip to your local hardware store or craft store because you're under a shelter in place order or the stores are closed. There are some projects you can tackle with items that are almost certainly already in your home.

1. Vinegar: There’s probably a jug of vinegar in your pantry right now. You can soak items in vinegar to remove mineral deposits (like in a clogged showerhead), and you can boil vinegar in your microwave to remove odors and make it easier to clean.

2. Cola: A can of Coke or Pepsi can be used to clean many surfaces, including your glass windows, porcelain toilet, or chrome fixtures. Just do some research before using it on metal surfaces, as it can be corrosive.

3. Baking soda: This item may actually be more useful for applications other than baking. A baking soda-vinegar paste is great for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Baking soda can also be used to absorb odors.

4. Butter knife: Screwdrivers are easy to misplace. If can’t find a screwdriver when you need one, a butter knife—preferably an older one that you no longer need for table setting—is pretty effective for both Phillips- and flat-head screws.

5. Toothpaste: Is there an unsightly scratch on your car or bike? The grit in tarter-control toothpastes makes for an effective scratch remover. Clean the scratch, apply some toothpaste, let it sit for a few minutes, and then buff it out with paper towel.

Day 2 - The Tower Life Continues...

Today was Day 2 of social distancing. It was the third day I didn't have to go to work, and it started to feel a bit weird. Another day at home, another day of finding ways to keep away the boredom.

First of all, as was pointed out to me yesterday, Rapunzel did meet her husband while living in isolation in her tower, so maybe there was hope for me yet. I decided this morning I would wait to see if my future husband would come bust me out. At 7:45 am, I was tired of waiting and busted myself out for a morning run/walk along the Dunedin Causeway. There were not too many people out that early, so it was fairly easy to maintain social distances. It was a gorgeous morning for a run. It was not my best run, but it was better than being stuck inside all day.

After breakfast, it was time to tackle a new project on my list: adding a second shelf to our laundry area to provide more storage. Proving once again that I don't need no stinking man, I hung these shelves myself with assistance from my mom. (Future Husband - if you're reading this, of course, I need you. Don't abandon me!)

With one of the at home projects complete (this social distancing thing is going to last for a couple weeks, don't want to do it all in one day), I turned to one of my favorite activities to do when passing the time - puzzles. The first one I picked to do was fitting given the recent themes of my blog posts. In the short time I worked on it, I made some decent progress. Yes, I am putting it together on the floor, on top of Magic Carpet. It's the perfect puzzle mat because it flies out of the way when I'm done working on it.

Before you start thinking I forgot about my other job as a Realtor, don't worry I did not. I made a few phone calls today, and in the afternoon with the assistance of my team leader, I had photos taken of a new listing and returned to the office to post the listing in the MLS. That reminds me...

NEW LISTING in New Port Richey, Florida! End unit condo in a wonderful 55+ community! Click on link for info and to contact me to schedule a showing!

I returned home in the early evening ready to relax and prepare for tomorrow. Each day we don't know how things may change, so although I am doing all that I can to "social distance" myself, I am also working hard each day as much as I can to keep my real estate business going.

Since I am not a quitter, I devoted most of the rest of my evening to finishing that puzzle, and while doing that, to catch up with a friend via video chat.

How was your social distancing today? Stay safe, friends!

Living that Tower Life Like Rapunzel

Although many of you have been practicing social distancing since the weekend, today felt like the first real social distancing day for me. I should have been at work at 6:00 am this morning to process shipment. Instead I slept in this morning and started wondering what in the world I would do all day and for the next couple weeks. That's when it hit me that all of us are about to experience what life was like for Rapunzel trapped in that tower. On a happy note, she provides lots of great ideas of what you can do to pass the time.

Here are some suggested activities to do to pass the day per Rapunzel:

• Sweep 'til the floor's all clean
• Polish and wax
• Laundry
• Mop and shine up
• Sweep again 

Once done with all those chores, Rapunzel provides some more entertaining items on her activity list:

• Read a book...or maybe two or three
• Add a few new paintings to your gallery
• Play guitar 
• Knit
• Cook
• Puzzles
• Darts (be careful!) 
• Baking
• Paper mache
• Ballet 
• Chess (and so many other games!)
• Pottery 
• Ventriloquy (ummm... okay...)
• Candle making
• Stretch
• Sketch
• Take a climb
• Sew a dress
• Brush and brush and brush and brush your hair 

Rapunzel starts her day at 7:00 am. I used to do that, but then we changed the clocks. Now, I continually wake up after 8:00 am. First task to tackle on this self distancing journey: getting back to the 7:00 am wake up routine.

Once I finally dragged myself out of bed, first on the agenda was getting in some exercise. I dusted off the old Nintendo Wii, popped in the Michael Jackson Experience, and started dancing the morning away. Per Rapunzel's suggestions, I also should have stretched... I did not...

Next on the list was cooking. Today, I decided to tackle Keto friendly chocolate chip waffles. They were Mickey shaped (of course!) and delicious. The recipe was from Simply Keto by Suzanne Ryan, and you can order her cookbook from Amazon. By the way, if any of you are missing the Disney theme parks and Mickey shaped waffles, you can buy the Mickey waffle maker I own from ShopDisney It makes 6 waffles at a time, and they are the exact size and shape as the ones sold at restaurants throughout Disney resorts. A little piece of Walt Disney World and Disneyland right at home!

By the time I was done with breakfast, it was about 10:30 am. Oh goodness, this was going to be a long couple of days. I know there are many of you reading this who are totally content laying around watching Netflix all day. I am not that person. Based on past experiences (i.e. 7.5 week medical leave), I get bored easily. I work two jobs partly because I just always need to be busy with something.

Luckily, I work in a small office which means I ventured into the office for a bit to stay motivated and up to date on all the changes happening rapidly in the real estate industry as a result of COVID-19. Don't worry, even with only 2-3 of us in the office, we still practiced social distancing...

 

(Side note: I have also determined that makeup is not necessary at this time.)

While working at the office, the news was released that the Governor of Florida was ordering the closure of all bars and nightclubs at 5:00 pm today, and restaurants were required to a max of 50% capacity. With the tide of things so quickly change, we ventured out for a late lunch at our favorite spot, Clear Sky Draught Haus, across the street for what may be the last time for a while. On the way back to the office, we continued to be in high spirits and channeled the Beatles when in the crosswalk (also worked great at maintaining acceptable social distances).

Once I returned home in the late afternoon, I knew I would be home for the rest of the night... no place to go, right? So it was time for some at home pampering! While relaxing with a face mask, it hit me that I won't be opening boxes upon boxes for a few weeks which means I could paint my nails and not have it be a waste of time! #Bonus!

I decided one way to make good use of my extra time was to work on finishing projects I started but never finished. So after months, I am excited to announce I finally finished knitting a pair of baby booties. Those cutie only took me about as long as it takes a human to grow a baby. So... win?

As you can see, my day was a mix of activities and work. As of now, it is my plan to get through the next few weeks without going crazy. Take note that I am finishing this blog post at about 7:00 pm. The rest of the night will be a usual evening for me, though. Relax, watch some TV, read a book, play the ukulele, color, and do a Soduku puzzle or two. The secret is out... each night I channel a 6-year-old and a 60-year-old. #sorrynotsorry

How was everyone's day of social distancing? What fun activities did you do today?

Stay strong! Be safe! Wash your hands! Don't touch your face!

Seller Tips - Getting Started

Several years ago, you may have been renting an apartment and dreaming of owning your own home. A few years later, you were a first time home buyer. Now, after some truly wonderful years living in your home, you are ready to sell - maybe you’re a newlywed or your family is outgrowing the home or you're relocating for a job. Whatever the reason, you want to list your home for sale, but you do not know anything about selling a home.

Similar to my First Time Buyer Tips post located HERE. Let’s begin with some tips to help you get ready to sell.

1. De-Clutter. Reduce the amount of personal items around your home and anything that you can live without for a while. Donate it. Pack it. Whichever you choose. The goal is to make your home look more open and make it easier for prospective buyers to picture themselves living there. Bonus: You'll have a head start on packing for moving day once your home sells.

2. Fix the Little Things. You know those items on your “Honey-Do List” that you keep saying you’ll do and then you push it off until next weekend? Take the time to fix them. Don’t worry about those huge projects that will take a lot of time and money. Focus on the little things - tighten a bolt, fix a squeaky door, replace cracked outlet plate, etc. - quick and easy items.

3. Paint. You don’t need to paint every room in the house. However, if there is a room in need of a fresh coat of paint or rooms with bold colors, paint those rooms with a neutral color. A gallon of paint can go a long way in improving the look of your home to prospective buyers and may even add some value.

4. Clean. Remember when you were a kid and your parents were having a party? You were tasked with helping to clean everything from the baseboards to the ceiling fans to all the windows? Your mom wanted the home spotless. Clean like that. Buyers will understand you are still living in the home, but a deep clean will make your home appear well maintained.

5. Interview Real Estate Agents. It is true that you can try to sell your home on your own and avoid paying a real estate agent. However, on average, using an agent usually results in a better price because an agent knows the market well and will be able to help you price your home to sell. Further, an agent is likely to be able to bring qualified buyers, market the listing professionally, and save you time. There is more to selling a home than just putting a sign in the yard, so instead of getting overwhelmed, hire an agent to do all the work for you. During your listing appointment, ask the agent about their marketing plan, sales history, and tools and technology they use to assist in selling your home. Interview a few agents then choose the agent that feels like the right fit for you.

These five steps will start you down the path, and you will be ready to list your home as soon as you have chosen your real estate agent. Stay tuned for future posts with tips of what to do once your home is listed.

Welcome to Floridays!

The evening of Thursday, February 20, 2020 was a memorable evening for Floridays, brokered by eXp Realty as we officially opened our offices located at 638 Skinner Boulevard in beautiful Dunedin, Florida. After several weeks of preparation, our whole team was excited to finally open our doors and welcome all of you inside for the first look.

Guests arriving for the evening were among the first to see our new office space. With a name like Floridays, our office is all about having those desired Florida vibes. Everything has a tropical feeling - from the furniture to the abundance of natural light to the seashell driveway. In addition, the interior walls are decorated with fine art photography from the Mark A. Middleton collection, with each photo having been taken somewhere in Florida.

The evening began shortly after 4:00 pm with a welcoming speech from the Floridays team's founder, Mark Middleton, and an introduction of the entire team. Following Mark's speech, the entire team stood on the front porch (a great outdoor meeting space) for the official ribbon cutting. Afterwards our guests enjoyed the gorgeous, perfect Florida evening and live music.

It was an incredible evening to share with family, friends, clients, and people from all over Dunedin and Pinellas County. To everyone that stopped by to say hi, tour the office, and enjoy an evening of music and refreshments, thank you! We appreciate all of you and are so grateful you came! To everyone who could not make it, you were all with us in spirit, and we hope you stop by soon to see the office in person. We would love to see you! Blue skies and ultraviolet rays, we're living here in Floridays!