It is Labor Day Weekend already! The real estate market is ever-evolving. I welcome any discussions you may want to have regarding your neighborhood or some of the headlines that have affected the real estate market. Please reach out to chat, even if you are not ready to buy or sell, but just would like to discuss current trends and updates. Here are the Market Snapshots reflecting the last month for the following areas:
Fort Lauderdale
Wilton Manors
Hollywood
Dania Beach
Hallandale Beach
These take into account all property types (Single Family Homes/Condos/Townhomes).
Contact me today to discuss the changes in real estate including the NAR Settlement, Buyer and Seller Options or market trends. Also, call or email me if you would like to be automatically sent updated area Market Snapshots for Fort Lauderdale or another SE Florida city. I am here to help.
It will make it harder to sell when the time comes. You’ll flat-out lose buyers who love a good soak or need a tub to bathe little ones (both human and four-legged).
#2 Leaving Cabinet Doors on While Painting
Painting your kitchen cabinets pays off big at resale — it’s a small investment for a big wow. But the job’s time-consuming, so it’s tempting to leave the doors on.
Resist. At all costs.
Because no matter how hard you try, it’s not going to look good. Even the pros don’t do it. That should tell you something.
#3 Putting Starchy Food Down the Disposal
Today’s garbage disposals can handle more challenging foods than earlier models, but starchy comestibles like potatoes, rice, and oatmeal still stump them.
Fun fact: Every Halloween, plumbers see an increase in calls because people are dumping pumpkin guts into the disposal.
Starchy foods clump when they hit water, clogging disposals and pipes. Instead, put them in the garbage can or, even better, your compost pile.
#4 Planting a Tree Close to Your House
Image: Blend/Offset
That young sapling just a few feet from your door seems so harmless. Until it grows up.
In addition to the risk of falling limbs, tree roots from mature trees can weaken your home’s foundation and clog plumbing and sewer pipes.
Plant medium and large trees at least 30 to 50 feet from the house. Put small trees (30 feet tall or less) at least eight, preferably 10, feet away.
#5 Flushing ‘Flushable’ Wipes
Sewer systems are facing a growing menace: flushable wipes. Despite the name, most don’t disintegrate, even after 10 minutes (compared to a few seconds for toilet paper).
Until a truly flushable wipe exists, don’t flush them — or anything nonorganic, for that matter. Stick with good ol’ TP instead.
#6 Covering Wallpaper With Water-based Paint
You don’t have to remove that dated wallpaper — simply paint over it. Just don’t do it with water-based paint. It can reactivate wallpaper glue and cause the paper to peel. Instead, use oil-based primer, let it dry completely, then apply latex paint over it. Oil-based primer has long been the industry standard and works well with oil and latex paints.
If you’re itching for a new exterior look, try new shutters, paint the front door, or update your landscaping. Those moves can scratch your itch and boost your curb appeal. If you just can’t live with your brick color, try brick stain, which bonds with the brick, allowing it to breathe.
#8 Skipping the Last Mow Before Winter
Tempting as it is to skip that last mow before winter, leaving the lawn too tall in cold months gives mice and other rodents good cover from predators, like hawks. Which means they’ve got safe passage to work their way into your warm and cozy home for the winter. Plus, keeping grass short keeps it healthier.
#9 Letting Ceiling Fans Run Forever
Ceiling fans don’t decrease the temperature in a room; they increase how quickly your sweat evaporates, making you feel cooler.
Since running ceiling fans is only beneficial when people are in the rooms to enjoy their breeze, save money by turning them off when you’re out.
#10 Tearing Out Original Architectural Features
Image: cerro_photography/Getty
Custom millwork, tin ceiling tiles, and mid-century modern brick give your home its character, so keep them if you’re remodeling (assuming they’re not in awful condition). Buyers appreciate these one-of-a-kind details, and preserving them sets your home apart. They can put your house at the top of house hunters’ lists when it’s time to sell.
#11 Changing Your Mailbox Without Checking With Your HOA
Or making any other change to your home’s exterior, such as replacing your front steps, adding shutters, etc. Homeowners associations work to keep neighborhood elements maintained and consistent in an effort to protect everyone’s home value.
That often includes seemingly small details, so let your HOA know of your upgrade plans. Otherwise, you could risk a citation or fine. Or worse, be told to undo it.
#12 Leaving Hoses Connected in Winter
When you retire your lawnmower each fall, disconnect and store hoses, too. Leaving them attached during cold weather can trap water in the pipes, causing them (and possibly the faucets) to freeze. BTW, leaving a hose connected in winter also ruins the hose.
Maintaining a cozy home temp while you’re at work or sleeping wastes money and energy. If your house came with a nonprogrammable thermostat, you’ll have to manually change it multiple times a day to avoid all that waste. (Like you need another task on the way out the door.)
Install a programmable thermostat, stat. Spending about $100-200 for a single smart thermostat sounds pricey, but most homes can recoup that investment from energy savings in less than two years. Plus, many energy companies offer rebates that greatly reduce the price of a thermostat. Some may even provide one for free.
#14 Putting a Brick in Your Toilet Tank
To decrease water use and save money, many people put bricks in their older, high-water-use toilets. But bricks crumble in water and can damage or clog pipes.
Replace the toilet (average cost is $615 including installation, according to Fixr) or fill a half-gallon milk jug with sand and drop it in the tank instead (saving about half a gallon per flush).
#15 Watering Grass at Night
It may seem smart to water in the evening — especially if you have a sprinkler system — because electrical rates are lower. But without sun to evaporate it, water is more likely to cling to grass at night, promoting fungus. Instead, water in the morning when the air is cool, the sun is arriving, and there’s less wind than at midday.
#16 Cleaning Windows on a Sunny Day
Doesn’t a warm, sunny day seem like the perfect time to wash windows? Counter-intuitively, it’s the worst, because the sun dries windows too quickly and causes smears. Instead, save this chore for a cloudy day.
#17 Pouring Bleach or Drain Cleaner Down Pipes
Bleach seems like a great agent for keeping pipes unclogged and smelling fresh — and drain cleaner is literally for pipes, right?
Unfortunately, bleach can react with substances in your pipes and cause more clogs than it prevents. Even drain cleaner is rough on pipes — and both are environmentally awful. (Plus, as little as a teaspoon of drain cleaner can destroy a septic field.)
Instead, use a pipe snake (also known as an auger) to keep pipes running smoothly.
Article credit: Kelley Walters, a Southern writer and editor. She focuses on interior design and home improvement at outlets from HGTV to Paintzen. She lives in Italy a month every year, drinking Negronis and writing in internet cafes.
Keep your home in great shape in case you decide to sell! If you decide the time is now, call me!
As a real estate professional, I was sad to hear of another brutal murder of an agent in Ontario this month.
Real estate agents take safety measures before meeting clients to protect themselves from potential risks, such as encountering dangerous individuals or being placed in vulnerable situations. Given that agents often meet with strangers in unfamiliar settings, ensuring their safety is paramount.
*Note, this information in the following list may be requested prior to meeting to discuss client needs and to sign the Buyer Broker Agreement that is required prior to presenting and showing property.
What an Agent May Ask For and Why:
Client Identification (e.g., driver’s license or ID):
Why: To verify the client’s identity and ensure they are who they claim to be, reducing the risk of meeting with someone who has malicious intentions.
Pre-qualification Letter or Proof of Funds:
Why: To confirm that the client is serious about purchasing a property and not using the meeting as a ruse for criminal activity.
Initial Meeting in a Public Place:
Why: To gauge the client’s intentions and establish a rapport in a safe, neutral environment before moving to a more private or secluded location.
Appointment Confirmation Through Office or Brokerage:
Why: To create a record of the meeting and ensure that colleagues are aware of the agent’s whereabouts, providing an extra layer of security.
Emergency Contact Information:
Why: To have a point of contact in case of an emergency, ensuring that someone is alerted if the agent doesn’t check in as planned.
Please do not get angry at real estate professionals who ask for ID or other information before meeting with you. I personally always try to accommodate my clients and make it as easy of a process as possible, but I also want to get home safely every day. That means vetting a new client and taking precautions. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I welcome any questions or feedback you have. I am here to help.
Clean & Declutter • Enhance Curb Appeal • Fresh Coat of Paint • Kitchen Updates • Energy Efficiency • Home Staging
When selling homes, small changes can make a real impact. Through our RealVitalize® program, you can access Angi’s network of trusted professionals which offers more than 500 types of services nationwide. With no fees or interest, sellers can enhance their home without incurring any upfront costs.*
Contact me today to learn more about this amazing program!
Fort Lauderdale July 2024 real estate statistics have been released.
Fort Lauderdale Area Reports
Single Family Homes
Condominium & Townhouses
Commonly asked questions while reviewing the reports:
What is the difference between “Median Sales Price” and “Average Sales Price”?
Median Sales Price | Price of the “”middle”” property sold -an equal number of sales were above and below this price.
Average Sales Price | Average sales price for all properties sold.
What does “Absorption Rate” mean?
Absorption Rate | Looks at the past year’s monthly supply of inventory. In a normal market there should be a 6 month supply. The higher the rate above 6 the more aggressive a seller has to be with the competition; price and having a picture perfect property.
Single Family Home Area Report listed first, Condo/Townhouses listed second:
Please contact me if you would like to be automatically sent updated area market reports for Fort Lauderdale or another SE Florida city. I am here to help.
Understanding the NAR Settlement: What It Means for You as a Homebuyer or Seller
The recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement has been making headlines, and as an experienced real estate professional, I want to ensure you’re well-informed about what this development means for you as a homebuyer or seller. The NAR settlement has sparked discussions about transparency, commission structures, and the overall dynamics of the real estate market. But what are the key facts, and how will they impact your real estate journey? Let’s delve into the essential details so you can navigate the market with confidence and clarity.
The settlement, stemming from allegations related to commission practices, has implications for how real estate transactions are conducted. Understanding these changes is crucial for making informed decisions, whether you’re buying your dream home or selling your current property. Let’s unpack the facts and help you stay ahead in the real estate market.
NAR has released fact sheets for both Homebuyers and Sellers.
HOMEBUYERS
SELLERS
Key Take-a-ways:
Compensation remains negotiable
Seller concessions to buyer and Seller offering compensation to the Buyer’s broker are still allowed
Buyer Compensation will no longer be allowed to be included anywhere on an MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
Buyers will be required to sign a written agreement before touring a home with a REALTOR® (virtually or in-person)
Representation:
Homebuyers and Sellers HAVE OPTIONS. As an experienced and knowledgeable real estate professional, I am here to help you understand these changes and how they may affect your home buying or selling process.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer looking to understand the new compensation disclosures or a seasoned seller wanting to list your home with the most effective marketing strategy, it’s crucial to stay informed and make educated decisions. The real estate market is evolving, and having a trusted guide by your side can make all the difference.
I invite you to reach out to me with any questions about the NAR settlement and how it specifically impacts your real estate transaction. Together, we can navigate these changes and ensure you achieve your real estate goals with confidence and success. Let’s discuss your unique needs and start your real estate journey today. I am here to help with integrity, transparency and dedication.
It is the end of July 2024! The real estate market is seeing changes. I welcome any discussions you may want to have regarding your neighborhood or some of the headlines that have affected the real estate market. Please reach out to chat, even if you are not ready to buy or sell, but just would like to discuss current trends and updates. Here are the Market Snapshots reflecting the last month for the following areas:
Fort Lauderdale
Wilton Manors
Hollywood
Dania Beach
Hallandale Beach
These take into account all property types (Single Family Homes/Condos/Townhomes).
Contact me today to discuss the changes in real estate including the NAR Settlement, Buyer and Seller Options or market trends. Also, call or email me if you would like to be automatically sent updated area Market Snapshots for Fort Lauderdale or another SE Florida city. I am here to help.
Fort Lauderdale June 2024 real estate statistics have been released!
Fort Lauderdale Area Reports
Single Family Homes
Condominium & Townhouses
Commonly asked questions while reviewing the reports:
What is the difference between “Median Sales Price” and “Average Sales Price”?
Median Sales Price | Price of the “”middle”” property sold -an equal number of sales were above and below this price.
Average Sales Price | Average sales price for all properties sold.
What does “Absorption Rate” mean?
Absorption Rate | Looks at the past year’s monthly supply of inventory. In a normal market there should be a 6 month supply. The higher the rate above 6 the more aggressive a seller has to be with the competition; price and having a picture perfect property.
Single Family Home Area Report listed first, Condo/Townhouses listed second:
Please contact me if you would like to be automatically sent updated area market reports for Fort Lauderdale or another SE Florida city. I am here to help.
Let’s start working together!
Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Realty
901 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Be sure your cat is wearing an up-to-date and visible ID tag on their collar at all times.
Take a current photo of your cat.
Give your cat a good play session before people come over for any celebrations.
Ask guests to keep an eye out for your cat, to be sure they don’t escape.
Keep charcoal, fireworks, sparklers and glow sticks far from curious cats.
Put your cat in a safe, escape-proof room during parties and fireworks.
If your cat is afraid of loud noises, leave gentle music playing to cover the fireworks.
2. Keep Your Dog Safe on the Fourth of July
Be sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date and visible ID tag on their collar at all times.
Take a current photo of your dog.
Exercise your dog early in the day before parties begin.
During cookouts, ask guests to play with your dog away from the flames.
Keep charcoal, fireworks, sparklers and glow sticks far from curious canines.
Keep dog treats on hand for those who want to give your dog food.
Leave your dog at home with a frozen stuffed treat during the fireworks.
If your dog is afraid of loud noises, leave gentle music playing to cover the fireworks.
3. 5 Tips to Prevent Lost Pups
Be sure your dog wears their collar with a clearly visible ID tag at all times
Update your dog’s microchip information or get them microchipped if they haven’t already been.
During parties, be sure to inform guests that all gates and doors need to be securely latched to prevent your dog from wandering.
If your dog is stressed by parties, consider keeping them in a safe room with their favorite toys away from your guests.
Leave your dog at home during Independence Day fireworks to avoid a stressed and scared pup running away in the dark.
4. Keep Your Cat from Becoming Lost
Check that your cat’s collar fits securely and that their tag is easy to read with your current information.
Update your microchip information! If your cat doesn’t already have a microchip, make an appointment with your veterinarian or call your local shelter about microchip clinics.
Put your kitty with their food, water and a litter box in an enclosed area with a visible sign declaring that the cat is inside and must not be allowed out.
Prepare in advance. Make sure that you have current, clear photos of your cat ready for lost flyers.
Ask your guests to keep an eye out for your cat during the festivities.
5. Keep Your Dog Safe at a Cookout
Be sure your dog is wearing a visible and up-to-date ID tag on their collar before the party begins.
Keep charcoal, matches and lighter fluid away from your dog.
Consider keeping your pup on a leash so they don’t explore hot grills or tables of food.
Do NOT feed dogs: Onions, garlic and chives. The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage, Chocolate, Macadamia nuts, Corn on the cob, Avocado, Artificial sweetener (Xylitol), Alcohol, Cooked bones. These are TOXIC to our canine family!
While grilling, ask guests to play with your dog far from the flames.
Place citronella and other insect-repellants where your dog can’t reach them.
Never leave alcohol unattended around your dogs.
Check that all sunscreen or insect repellant you apply to your dog is labeled for use on pets.
Don’t let guests give your pup people food. Consider having a bag of treats on hand.
Be sure all children are supervised when near your dog to avoid any roughhousing.
If your pup seems overwhelmed, bring them inside and put them in a quiet area away from guests.
6. Heatstroke is deadly for dogs
The signs of heatstroke include:
Excessive or exaggerated panting
Lethargy
Weakness
Drooling
High fever
Dark red gums
Rapid heartbeat
Unresponsiveness to commands and surroundings
Vomiting
Collapse
Staring/anxious expression
Warm/dry skin
If you think your dog may have heatstroke, head straight to your vet’s office. It could save their life!
7. Learn the Signs of Heatstroke in Cats
The signs of heatstroke include:
Restlessness as your cat searches for a cooler spot
Excessive grooming
Panting
Sweaty paws
Drooling
Redness of the tongue and mouth
Rapid breathing
Vomiting
Stumbling
Extreme lethargy
Unresponsiveness
High fever
If you think your cat may have heatstroke, head straight to your vet’s office. It could save their life!
8. How You Can Help Dogs in Hot Cars
Call your local animal control or police department to report a pet in a car. Inform them if the pet appears to be in distress. Endangering a dog by leaving them in a car is against the law in many places.
Try to find the pet parent. Note the license plate number, color, make and model of the car. Go to the nearest store or mall security office and ask them to make an announcement over the loudspeaker that a dog has been left in a car and needs help.
Keep an eye on the car until the guardian or animal control arrive.
Consider leaving our Never Leave a Dog in a Car infographic on the car to educate the guardian.
9. 4 Steps to Help Pets in Cars
Call your local animal control or police department to report a pet in a car. Inform them if the pet appears to be in distress. Endangering a pet by leaving them in a car is against the law in many places.
Try to find the cat’s parent. Note the license plate number, color, make and model of the car. Go to the nearest store or mall security office and ask them to make an announcement over the loudspeaker that a cat has been left in a car and needs help.
Keep an eye on the car until the guardian or animal control arrive.
Consider leaving our Never Leave a Pet in a Car infographic on the car to educate the guardian.
10. Tell Me!
Tell me about your hot weather and summer safety tips for your pet! I can share YOUR ideas to help others in our community.
Happy July 1st! The real estate market is seeing changes. I welcome any discussions you may want to have on your area or some of the headlines that have affected the real estate market. Please reach out to chat, even if you are not ready to buy or sell, but just would like to discuss current trends and updates. Here are the Market Snapshots reflecting the last 30 days for the following areas:
Fort Lauderdale
Wilton Manors
Hollywood
Dania Beach
Hallandale Beach
These take into account all property types (Single Family Homes/Condos/Townhomes).
Please contact me if you would like to be automatically sent updated area Market Snapshots for Fort Lauderdale or another SE Florida city. I am here to help.
Let’s start working together!
Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Realty
901 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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