Covered Patio: How Much Yard Is Left?

It is a big mistake to build a massive patio on a small yard; it takes too much space, leaving minimal room for other activities. It also looks awkward and interferes with the overall look of the property. A patio that covers the whole yard discourages buyers; therefore, make sure the size of the structure is proportional to the available yard space. To make sure the yard occupies the right amount of space, pick the furniture wisely, avoid over-accessorizing, and leave some space for walking. However, although minimalism works well, make sure it holds everything needed for a functional, attractive, and relaxing environment. When accessorizing, large items should sit behind smaller ones at all times.

What Material Is It Made From?

The material used to make a patio greatly determines the value it adds to the house. It identifies the durability, maintenance costs, and style. Manufactured stones can last for about 100 years since only the damaged part requires replacement, not the whole patio, in case of breakage. Travertine pavers are an environmentally friendly option that also lasts for a long time and comes in various styles, like Tuscany Scabas, Mediterranean walnut, and silver. One of the benefits of concrete is the lack of maintenance it needs. It is also pocket-friendly and comes in a variety of shapes, tones, and sizes, so it accommodates the styles of different people. When shopping around for a house, take into consideration that different materials are better suited for specific homes. Concrete is ideal for contemporary-style, stones go better with Victorian, brick is suitable for colonial, and stamped or poured concrete is better for craftsman-style homes.

Covered Patio: How Old Is It?

Age is a huge factor when determining the value of a patio and the whole house. Usually, buyers prefer newer homes and will likely spend more money on it than an old one. A more modern patio is better because it requires fewer renovations and maintenance, therefore, making the property easier to sell. However, the condition of the property is also crucial. It is for this reason that buyers would instead go for a well- maintained 15-year-old house with an exceptional patio than a new home that requires renovations. An old and outdated patio can derail the interests of buyers, so upgrading the courtyard of a house into excellent condition can significantly increase its value.

What Are the Other Houses Like?

Other than energy efficiency, outdoor living continues to grow and become an essential feature that most people consider when buying a house. A property with an outdoor space for entertainment offers a unique and attractive quality to potential buyers. Patios give a high return on investment. Based on a survey conducted on landscape architecture, 98% of buyers and homeowners wish to have a patio, deck, and terrace. If your property is the only one with a patio in the neighborhood, it will offer buyers a compelling reason to buy it over the others.

Covered Patio: Does It Serve Its Intended use?

Property owners use their patio for various uses, ranging from dining and playing to relaxing. If you can enjoy movie nights or game nights at your patio with your family or friends, then the value of the patio goes up. Features like overhead fans also come in handy during the scorching heat of summer and make sure the space is available for use whenever it is needed.

Is the Location Suitable?

The size of the house and the available space determine the location of the patio. However, the choice of place should also take into consideration the amount of shade, privacy needs, accessibility, wind, the amount of sun the patio gets, and noise. The location of the patio dictates whether or not it offers a conducive environment for living. The patio should stand in a firm and level ground to avoid drainage issues, and it should also receive the right amount of sunlight throughout the day. Excessive or insufficient sunlight may interfere with your experience at the patio; therefore, assess the condition of the space at different hours of the day.

Covered Patio: Does the Design Match the Property?

The ideal patio complements the overall look of the property rather than looking like a standalone structure. The color scheme should complement the main house and the surrounding landscape to improve the overall look of the property. Examine the aesthetics of the patio in comparison to the house; for example, a dome patio is not ideal for a home with a flat roof.

Is It Fit for Use Throughout the Year?

It would be better to have a patio you can use during every season, whether it is cold, hot, or moderate. Features that make a patio accessible all year long add value to the property. A pergola blocks harmful sun rays from getting to you while leaving access to the needed warmth during summer. You can hang outdoor lights on pergolas during winter that not only improve the atmosphere but also extend the time you spend on the patio. Outdoor heat sources, whether small or large, ensure that you enjoy time in your patio during winter or chilly summer nights. Blinds guarantee that you can spend time outdoors during the rainy season. They also keep the sun away.

Every buyer appreciates an additional living space. A well-maintained and stylish patio makes a property appealing and more valuable.

If you’re trying to sell your home, contact us so we can help!

 Steelbridge Realty LLC  is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage that utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques and data-driven Real Estate solutions in today’s ever-changing environment. Our group of professionals have decades of experience and have navigated through many business cycles. Our diverse background gives us the tools to guide people towards successful decisions.

1 / 10

$27,500,000

Land

Pending

2.6

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LEE

COUNTY

5580 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
FORT MYERS Subdivision

1 / 50

$18,900,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

6

BEDS

7

TOTAL BATHS

8,596

SQFT

16950 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
METES AND BOUNDS Subdivision

1 / 16

$17,500,000

Land

Pending

14.65

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

5803 Overseas Way
Cape Coral, FL 33914
META Subdivision

1 / 100

$16,850,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active Under Contract

6

BEDS

9

TOTAL BATHS

8,100

SQFT

894 HILL TIDE LANE
BOCA GRANDE, FL 33921
HILL TIDE ESTATES Subdivision

1 / 39

$15,500,000

Commercial Sale For Sale

Active

1.58

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

800-802 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
 

1 / 39

$15,500,000

Mixed Use For Sale

Active

75,759

SQFT

800-802 ESTERO BOULEVARD
FORT MYERS BEACH, FL 33931
ROYAL BEACH CLUB CONDO Subdivision

1 / 50

$13,300,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

6

BEDS

11

TOTAL BATHS

10,493

SQFT

1240 Coconut Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33901
PALM GARDENS Subdivision

1 / 50

$13,000,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

5

BEDS

7

TOTAL BATHS

5,400

SQFT

12798 Dennis Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908
FORT MYERS Subdivision

1 / 39

$13,000,000

Land For Sale

Active

14.38

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

0 Buck Key
Captiva, FL 33924
METES AND BOUNDS Subdivision

1 / 49

$12,500,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

5

BEDS

6

TOTAL BATHS

5,843

SQFT

16530 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
METES AND BOUNDS Subdivision

1 / 31

$12,495,000

Retail

Pending

2.024

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

1201-1317 Cape Coral Parkway E
Cape Coral, FL 33904
 

1 / 28

$12,000,000

Land For Sale

Active

1.2

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

15819 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
DICKEYS JOHN R SUBD Subdivision

1 / 12

$12,000,000

Land For Sale

Active

2

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

16280 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
TICHENORS F H SILVER KING Subdivision

New Listing - yesterday

1 / 59

$11,750,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

5

BEDS

6

TOTAL BATHS

5,472

SQFT

4070 LOOMIS AVENUE
BOCA GRANDE, FL 33921
EAST SHORE ACRES II Subdivision

1 / 21

$11,500,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

6

BEDS

8

TOTAL BATHS

6,292

SQFT

17030 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
METES AND BOUNDS Subdivision

1 / 5

$11,000,000

Land For Sale

Active

2.86

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

2669 W Gulf Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
CARIBE BEACH RESORT CONDO TIMESHARE Subdivision

1 / 50

$10,900,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

5

BEDS

6

TOTAL BATHS

5,059

SQFT

16730 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
METES AND BOUNDS Subdivision

1 / 50

$10,000,000

Hotel/Motel For Sale

Active

18.035

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

17455 Summerlin Road
Fort Myers, FL 33908
 

New Listing - 3 days on site

1 / 99

$9,995,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

4

BEDS

5

TOTAL BATHS

4,141

SQFT

4150 SNAIL ISLAND COURT
BOCA GRANDE, FL 33921
EAST SHORE ACRES 02 Subdivision

1 / 39

$9,850,000

Land For Sale

Active

2.43

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

4130 SNAIL ISLAND COURT
BOCA GRANDE, FL 33921
EAST SHORE ACRES 02 Subdivision

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Views: 409

The post How Much Value Does A Covered Patio Add To A Property? appeared first on Steelbridge Realty LLC.

Home Additions: Spare Bedrooms

Any family with children can benefit from spare bedrooms. These can be used for guests or turned into a multi-functional space that suits your needs any time of year. As children get older, having separate bedrooms can reduce sibling squabbles and give them a sense of independence. They’ll also love the opportunity to express their personalities decorating their own rooms. According to Renovation Design Group, when a home that’s for sale has spare bedrooms, families will find the property very appealing.

Backyard Playground

A trip to the park isn’t always practical, so why not bring the fun to your own backyard? Artificial Greens & Lawns advises that soft and safe surfaces create an inviting space for a children’s playground that kids will enjoy playing on. Sand or rubber mulch under turf rugs can provide soft landings from equipment like jungle gyms and swing set. What family with kids wouldn’t be eager to move into a home that already has a safe outdoor play area installed?

Home Additions: Playroom

An in-home playroom can end the sea of toys constantly spread throughout your house. Whether you decide to change your basement into a play zone or want to turn a bedroom into their own hideaway, playrooms offer kids a place to let loose and have fun without risking injuries, breaking things or getting underfoot. Look for some built-in shelves to provide organization while minimizing the risk of furniture falls.

Adding a TV hooked up to kid-friendly Netflix will provide hours of entertainment. You can also incorporate musical instruments, puzzles and drawing supplies. When potential buyers see the playroom in your house, it will be easy for them to envision their family having a great time there.

Focus on your family’s current needs before you make any updates. Could you deal with more personal space, organization or a designated spot to do your favorite activities? Focus on functionality first so that you can choose new pieces of furniture that are durable, flexible and multipurpose.

If you’re in the market for a new home, create a wishlist of features you’d like to have. Contemplate your family’s growth over the next few years, and choose a home that has the ability to evolve right along with you. Let the whole family get in on the new updates as you seek to make your house feel even more like home while also appealing to future buyers.

Looking for a new place to call home? Click here to browse our listings!

 Steelbridge Realty LLC  is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage that utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques and data-driven Real Estate solutions in today’s ever-changing environment. Our group of professionals have decades of experience and have navigated through many business cycles. Our diverse background gives us the tools to guide people towards successful decisions.

1 / 10

$27,500,000

Land

Pending

2.6

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

5580 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
FORT MYERS Subdivision

1 / 50

$18,900,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

6

BEDS

7

TOTAL BATHS

8,596

SQFT

16950 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
METES AND BOUNDS Subdivision

1 / 16

$17,500,000

Land

Pending

14.65

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

5803 Overseas Way
Cape Coral, FL 33914
META Subdivision

1 / 100

$16,850,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active Under Contract

6

BEDS

9

TOTAL BATHS

8,100

SQFT

894 HILL TIDE LANE
BOCA GRANDE, FL 33921
HILL TIDE ESTATES Subdivision

1 / 39

$15,500,000

Commercial Sale For Sale

Active

1.58

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

800-802 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
 

1 / 39

$15,500,000

Mixed Use For Sale

Active

75,759

SQFT

800-802 ESTERO BOULEVARD
FORT MYERS BEACH, FL 33931
ROYAL BEACH CLUB CONDO Subdivision

1 / 50

$13,300,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

6

BEDS

11

TOTAL BATHS

10,493

SQFT

1240 Coconut Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33901
PALM GARDENS Subdivision

1 / 50

$13,000,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

5

BEDS

7

TOTAL BATHS

5,400

SQFT

12798 Dennis Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908
FORT MYERS Subdivision

1 / 39

$13,000,000

Land For Sale

Active

14.38

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

0 Buck Key
Captiva, FL 33924
METES AND BOUNDS Subdivision

1 / 49

$12,500,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

5

BEDS

6

TOTAL BATHS

5,843

SQFT

16530 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
METES AND BOUNDS Subdivision

1 / 31

$12,495,000

Retail

Pending

2.024

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

1201-1317 Cape Coral Parkway E
Cape Coral, FL 33904
 

1 / 28

$12,000,000

Land For Sale

Active

1.2

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

15819 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
DICKEYS JOHN R SUBD Subdivision

1 / 12

$12,000,000

Land For Sale

Active

2

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

16280 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
TICHENORS F H SILVER KING Subdivision

New Listing - yesterday

1 / 59

$11,750,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

5

BEDS

6

TOTAL BATHS

5,472

SQFT

4070 LOOMIS AVENUE
BOCA GRANDE, FL 33921
EAST SHORE ACRES II Subdivision

1 / 21

$11,500,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

6

BEDS

8

TOTAL BATHS

6,292

SQFT

17030 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
METES AND BOUNDS Subdivision

1 / 5

$11,000,000

Land For Sale

Active

2.86

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

2669 W Gulf Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
CARIBE BEACH RESORT CONDO TIMESHARE Subdivision

1 / 50

$10,900,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

5

BEDS

6

TOTAL BATHS

5,059

SQFT

16730 Captiva Drive
Captiva, FL 33924
METES AND BOUNDS Subdivision

1 / 50

$10,000,000

Hotel/Motel For Sale

Active

18.035

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

17455 Summerlin Road
Fort Myers, FL 33908
 

New Listing - 3 days on site

1 / 99

$9,995,000

Single Family Residence For Sale

Active

4

BEDS

5

TOTAL BATHS

4,141

SQFT

4150 SNAIL ISLAND COURT
BOCA GRANDE, FL 33921
EAST SHORE ACRES 02 Subdivision

1 / 39

$9,850,000

Land For Sale

Active

2.43

ACRES

LEE

COUNTY

4130 SNAIL ISLAND COURT
BOCA GRANDE, FL 33921
EAST SHORE ACRES 02 Subdivision

See All Results

Views: 170

The post 3 Home Additions That Can Appeal to Families With Kids appeared first on Steelbridge Realty LLC.

Avoiding Expensive Home Repairs: Replace Filters

Ideally, you should replace the filter in your home’s HVAC system at least once a year for the best performance and if you are worried about the cost ac repair, 75 Degree AC is not harsh on your pocket. However, it may be necessary to do so every thirty to sixty days, especially if people in your home suffer from allergies or asthma. In fact, according to Joe Filter, it’s especially important to change your air filters and carry out an ac tune because the air inside your home can actually be more polluted than the air outside. New air filters tend to do a better job taking dust, pollen, and other pollutants out of the air inside your home. This can also prevent damage to the furnace, vents and other components throughout the home. Removing dust and pollen from the air may also make it easier to breathe or maintain healthy hair and skin throughout the year.

Avoiding Expensive Home Repairs: Inspect Everything

Glass King warns that you will need to clean and inspect your windows frequently if you want them to remain in good condition. It is a best practice to clean the windows during the spring and fall seasons to ensure that they are free of dirt and other debris. It is also a good idea to have your roof, HVAC system and garage door inspected at least once a year as well. Make sure to get up on a ladder and look at your home’s roof to check the condition of the tiles. This will make it easier to detect minor problems before they can grow into larger ones.

Don’t Let Minor Problems Linger

In many cases, homeowners face expensive repair jobs because they didn’t take care of issues when they first noticed them. For example, it may be relatively easy and inexpensive to add a dehumidifier to the basement to get rid of excess moisture. However, failing to do so could result in mold and mildew growing on the walls, and it could also result in other problems, such as a pest infestation or a cracked foundation. Therefore, according to Landmark Home Warranty, you should make it a point to spend time and money today improving your home as it can save even more time and money in the future.

It is critical that you look for potential problems in a home from the second that you are interested in buying it. Staying alert can help you prevent water or pests from entering your home and causing serious damage. It can also reduce the chances that household components will break, overheat or otherwise not work like they are supposed to.

 Steelbridge Realty LLC  is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage that utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques and data-driven Real Estate solutions in today’s ever-changing environment. Our group of professionals have decades of experience and have navigated through many business cycles. Our diverse background gives us the tools to guide people towards successful decisions.

Views: 342

The post 3 Tips for Avoiding Expensive Home Repairs appeared first on Steelbridge Realty LLC.

How to Increase a House’s Security: Lighting

Lighting is something that sellers tend to shy away from. The reason behind this is due to the fact that installing additional lights can either go very good or very bad. Homebuyers understandably want to have lights that can deter would-be thieves. What they don’t want is to make their home look like a maximum-security prison. So, as a seller, how can you get the best of both worlds? Consider installing motion-sensor lights. This will allow you to add lighting to the home without having to brighten the whole block.

Visible Security Systems

Contrary to popular belief, when it comes to installing security cameras on your home, smaller is not better. In fact, 33.2 percent of US households had smart home automation technology at the beginning of 2019, which included both home security and general automation equipment. Thieves drive around neighbors looking to break into a home that looks the least secured. Having tiny cameras hidden from the public can actually make you a bigger target (check out this official site). Visible high-tech cameras allow homebuyers to feel safe knowing that thieves can clearly understand that they are being watched and filmed. Extra additions to your security system can include night vision and smartphone notification applications when thieves are close by.

How to Increase a House’s Security: Garage Security

When it comes to commonly neglected areas of a home security system, the garage area is ignored quite often. Garages tend to provide would-be thieves the ability to determine if your home is worth breaking into. Across the top of most garages are small windows. A few recommendations would be to replace these windows with fogged-up glass that allows natural light to come in but that deters people from looking inside. In addition, you might consider adding a keypad to your garage door that requires a special code to go inside. Sometimes these codes can be inputted directly from your smartphone and they also often don’t require installing any wires.

Selling your home can be a challenging experience, but by being aware of the security concerns of potential buyers, you can significantly increase your chances of a sale. Simply adhere to this list to begin implementing these features into your home and you should be good to go.

If you’re thinking of selling your home, contact us so we can help!

 Steelbridge Realty LLC  is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage that utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques and data-driven Real Estate solutions in today’s ever-changing environment. Our group of professionals have decades of experience and have navigated through many business cycles. Our diverse background gives us the tools to guide people towards successful decisions.

Views: 277

The post How to Increase a House’s Security in Ways That Appeal to Buyers appeared first on Steelbridge Realty LLC.

Best Mortgage Loans for First-Time Home Buyers: FHA Loan

Many homebuyers in America view the FHA loan as the go-to option. This is especially true for individuals going through the home buying process for the first time. The FHA loan is also good for home buyers who have a less than stellar credit history. 

The Federal Housing Administration makes it more likely that new homeowners will be approved for mortgages by guaranteeing the mortgage in the event of a default. The guarantee makes lenders willing to broaden the standards they use to decide who receives mortgages. Down payments for FHA loans can be as little as 3.5%. Homebuyers can choose loan terms from 15 to 30 years and this will play a large role in deciding monthly mortgage payments. First-time home buyers should calculate how much they can actually afford on monthly payments.

Best Mortgage Loans for First-Time Home Buyers: USDA Loan

Many new home buyers will be surprised to learn that the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers assistance to home buyers. You will not have to live on a farm, but the home you wish to purchase must be located in a rural area to take advantage of this loan. 

The USDA loan allows home buyers to buy a home without a down payment and no need to pay closing costs. A stable income and a 640 credit score are required to be eligible for a USDA loan. Income requirements vary depending on which region of the country you call home.

Best Mortgage Loans for First-Time Home Buyers: VA Loan

Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and spouses can purchase homes with the help of the Department of Veteran Affairs. These loans are easy on home buyers and do not require a down payment or insurance on the mortgage. 

To qualify as a veteran or active-duty military personnel, service members have to serve 181 days in times of peace or 91 days during times of war. Spouses are required to have been married to a service member who either died in the line of duty or was a disabled veteran who lost their life to an injury received while on active duty. Other requirements from the VA are minimal, but the lenders with whom the administration works may have their own requirements. 

The process of buying a new home can be stressful for the new home buyer who does not do his or her homework. The three mortgage programs profiled above will not only help to demystify the home buying process, but can also result in a lower down payment, better interest rates, and lower monthly notes for new home buyers.

Not sure if you qualify for a mortgage loan? We recommend reading this article next. 

 Steelbridge Realty LLC  is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage that utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques and data-driven Real Estate solutions in today’s ever-changing environment. Our group of professionals have decades of experience and have navigated through many business cycles. Our diverse background gives us the tools to guide people towards successful decisions.

Views: 393

The post 3 Best Mortgage Loans for First-Time Home Buyers appeared first on Steelbridge Realty LLC.

Be the Leading Real Estate Agent in Your Area: Continuing Education

Staying on top of real estate laws and regulations is important to maintain your license and help you become a better agent. You should also look into general business classes, such as those in marketing and communications, or ones tailored toward small business owners. According to Lead Agent, it’s important to do your research when deciding which course works best for you when renewing your real estate license. Take into consideration all your options, including online options. In many cases, the cost of tuition, materials, and books can be written off as a business expense if you itemize your tax returns.

Be the Leading Real Estate Agent in Your Area: Your Online Presence

For hot listings, consider purchasing targeted social media ads through The Marketing Heaven and also run remarketing campaigns for visitors to your website or past listings. In addition to these paid tactics, you also don’t want to ignore the free tools and resources available on various platforms. One tactic is to build your own community Facebook group, where you post more than just listings.  According to Post Planner, you can build your following by posting important and interesting community information, such as important current events, upcoming sales or promotions at local businesses. Some in-person event ideas include clothing swaps; wine and cheese parties; and community fundraisers, like school car washes and the like. This works very well especially if you’ve sold many houses in a specific neighborhood or region. Encourage other members to share information as well, and ensure you’re actively supporting group discussions, providing valuable input and keeping up with the latest trends.

Be the Leading Real Estate Agent in Your Area: Your Community Presence

Get involved in your local community to not only build positive brand awareness of your business but to also become a trusted community influencer. Find ways to volunteer; sponsor local sporting events, like high school football or Little League; or, as Print Place suggests, engage in some cause marketing tactics to help get you noticed. It’s one thing to be an agent in the community and another thing to be an agent who is actively involved in the community beyond just listings and sales.

In order to become a top-performing agent in your local area, it’s important to take a multidimensional approach. Continue your education to maintain your license, and also take classes on becoming a better business owner. Get involved in your local community, and also build an online presence.

Here’s another article you might find interesting: 5 Vital Skills for Selling Your Home Faster

Interested in buying a home? Read up on our tips for first-time home buyers.

 Steelbridge Realty LLC  is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage that utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques and data-driven Real Estate solutions in today’s ever-changing environment. Our group of professionals have decades of experience and have navigated through many business cycles. Our diverse background gives us the tools to guide people towards successful decisions.

Views: 217

The post Reach for the Top: Ways to Be the Leading Real Estate Agent in Your Area appeared first on Steelbridge Realty LLC.

Consider a Mentorship

One of the most attractive things about real estate is that almost everyone has the ability to be a part of it with little to no education. However, this does not mean you should jump in headfirst without first learning a thing or two about those who’ve not only done it before you but have also succeeded as well. Fortune Builders recommends finding a mentor to learn as much from. A good mentor is someone who has both an impressive portfolio as well as integrity and passion for the industry. Finding a mentor can be a little daunting and difficult, but it is possible with a little research and the aid of the internet. Simply write them a polite email entailing your interest in their mentorship and always end by thanking them for their time.

Learn to Multitask

The one thing that most amateur real estate investors say comes as a shock is the incredible amount of multitasking they do on a daily basis. The world of real estate often involves interruptions and changing demands. Thus it is crucial to develop this skill. You may run into a few challenges on the way, such as approving in bulk very costly repairs without really taking the time to research your decision. According to Do Hard Money, putting all your eggs in a single basket will lead to you potentially losing it all and missing out on great opportunities. However, the benefits often outweigh these small errors as someone with a well-established investment portfolio would tell you. Multitasking provides you with benefits such as a faster flip on your investment or prioritizing a passion project.

Be Patient

Amateur investors are always in competition with themselves. They have a tendency to be impatient by telling themselves that things need to be built faster and cheaper. However, this type of thinking can actually cost you more in the long run. One of the most common mistakes made by amateur investors is buying a property in order to meet some kind of mental quota. Great investors never put these things in their heads; instead, they wait for the right opportunity to buy. According to Anderson Advisors, good investing strategies require a lot of patience.

Although real estate investing for amateurs can be a daunting experience, it can be a lucrative and rewarding opportunity for anyone. Doing yourself the favor of conducting extensive research on your property and the cost-to-value ratio can be very beneficial. By following the above tips, you will have a great start on your journey to invest in real estate.

If you’re ready to invest in your next property, take a look at our current listings!

Views: 329

The post 3 Best Tips to Help Amateur Real Estate Investors Get Started appeared first on Steelbridge Realty LLC.

Selling Your Home Faster: Clean and Declutter 

One of the first things you can do is to clean and declutter your house before any photos are taken and the potential buyers show up. Buyers want to see the potential of the house, but personal items and cluttered shelves can be distracting. Here are several ways to make your house more attractive:

• Front Yard and Entryway: Your primary focus should be to make the front yard and entryway look as welcoming as possible.
• Closets and Cabinets: You want to show the buyer that the house has plenty of space to fit all their needs. This can be accomplished by emptying out as much of your belongings from closets and cabinets as possible. 
• Living Room and Kitchen: The most frequently toured areas are the living room and kitchen. You’ll want to try to remove any oil and water stains from the appliances and countertops.

Selling Your Home Faster: Property Photography 

When it is time to take property photographs, make sure you invest in high-quality photos. Quality photos are an essential element of your property listing. Listings with photos receive 35% more clicks. Quality photos create a good first impression that the house received the same quality of care. Stage the living areas, curating and staging your rooms before taking photos to help buyers visualize how the rooms can be used. Use a tripod, a tripod will help stabilize the photo and improve image quality and sharpness.

Selling Your Home Faster: Depersonalize the House 

When you and your agent list your house on the market, one of the things you’ll want to do is depersonalize your home. This might mean packing away politically charged magazines, embarrassing photos hanging on the wall, and the cracked set of coffee mugs that have been with you since you moved in. When buyers visit for a house tour, they want to envision if they can live in the house, but it can be difficult if your knick-knacks are in the way.

Research Prices of Other Properties in the Neighborhood 

Your initial asking price can often make or break your listing. If you price it too high, it can be beyond the range of buyer’s price filter. If you price it too low, buyers will often question what is wrong with your house. The best way to get around this is to work with your agent and research the property prices of other houses in your neighborhood.

Selling Your Home Faster: Spread the Word 

If you are in a hurry to sell and are willing to be proactive, you can also engage in a little advertising campaign yourself. Tell your neighbors and friends that you are selling your house and the things you love about the house. Use social media to help spread the word about your property. Sometimes you can tell the history of your house better than an agent.

Selling your home is a time-sensitive activity, with the buying price lowering for every month that it does not sell. With all the activities you needed to do to list your house, to begin with, why not make the effort to see that you receive the highest selling price possible?

Are you not sure where to get started with selling your home? Steelbridge Realty has experienced agents and many resources to help you sell your property fast!

 Steelbridge Realty LLC  is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage that utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques and data-driven Real Estate solutions in today’s ever-changing environment. Our group of professionals have decades of experience and have navigated through many business cycles. Our diverse background gives us the tools to guide people towards successful decisions.

During the beginning of the housing downturn, Steelbridge Realty LLC was the Brokerage arm of several private equity entities. We assisted them with asset modeling and market metrics. Many prominent local commercial projects were included in this scope of transactions. in 2012 Jeff and Cristina bought the other partner out and relocated the company to North Fort Myers. It now serves as a boutique-style firm to cater to its clients and the community at large.

For more information call 239 694 3300 or use the form below.

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The post 5 Vital Skills for Selling Your Home Faster appeared first on Steelbridge Realty LLC.

Outdoor Features: Pool

An in-ground pool can add value to your property if you choose your options wisely. Pools will increase the insurance costs associated with home ownership so it’s wise to only invest around 10 to 15 percent of what you paid for the home into your pool construction. Pools are most popular in areas where it’s warm year-round and in neighborhoods where most other homes have pools. Be sure to consider the size of your lot so that the pool and surrounding patio still leave room for grass and foliage as most prospective home buyers will appreciate some grass in the backyard.

Outdoor Features: Putting Green

If you live in an area where golf is popular, adding a putting green to your yard can be a great investment. In addition to adding some extra fun to your yard, a putting green made from synthetic grass decreases water costs as well. There are several different turf varieties that can be used for backyard putting greens. You should consult a professional service to help you choose materials that will work well in your space.

Outdoor Features: Fenced Backyard

While a fence doesn’t contribute the same element of fun as the previous additions, it can still be a positive for many home buyers. Privacy fences are especially popular in areas where neighbors are close. Families with pets and small children also look for fenced in backyards for safety reasons. The most important consideration when adding a fence to your home to increase property value is to choose a professional builder and materials that will withstand the outdoor conditions in your area.

Even if you’re not considering listing your home for sale in the near future, it can still be beneficial to add outdoor elements that are appealing to prospective buyers. An in-ground pool, putting green, and professionally built fence all allow you to better enjoy your space. These outdoor elements can also create much more interest in your house when you do decide to sell.

 Steelbridge Realty LLC  is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage that utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques and data-driven Real Estate solutions in today’s ever-changing environment. Our group of professionals have decades of experience and have navigated through many business cycles. Our diverse background gives us the tools to guide people towards successful decisions.

During the beginning of the housing downturn, Steelbridge Realty LLC was the Brokerage arm of several private equity entities. We assisted them with asset modeling and market metrics. Many prominent local commercial projects were included in this scope of transactions. in 2012 Jeff and Cristina bought the other partner out and relocated the company to North Fort Myers. It now serves as a boutique style firm to cater to its clients and the community at large.

For more information call 239 694 3300 or use the form below.

Views: 527

The post 3 Outdoor Features That Can Increase Your Property’s Value appeared first on Steelbridge Realty LLC.

By: Jeff Tumbarello, Broker/Owner Steelbridge Realty LLC, Director SWFLREIA

Data sourced from:

• Residential Data is from MLS.
• Cape Coral Permit Number from the City of Cape Coral.
• Retiree Data is from Census.
• Trended with Microsoft Excel.
• Unless otherwise stated, charts contain all Residential assets.
• Disclosure: My work is done for me and shared with you.

2018 Lee County Florida Market Update: Lee County Metrics

Volume and sales counts 1/1 thru 12/31

The increase in Volume and sales counts are significant. This is from the stellar year the market was having before Hurricane Irma.

Volume and sales counts 1/1 thru 12/31

Cash Sales Percentage 1/1 thru 12/31

The percentage of cash sales is higher than the national average and the state of Florida average. That inherently gives the market stability.

Distressed Sales 1/1 thru 12/31

The lack of distressed sales indicates that there is very little bank-owned inventory.

Sales Counts by Property Type:

Pricing by Property Type:

2018 Lee County Florida Market Update: What submarkets are growing?

Year over year change by percentage: Red showed a reduction in volume

2018 Lee County Florida Market Update: Bubbles of sales Activity

2018 Lee County Florida Market Update: Hurricane Irma and the Market.

Quarter 1 thru Quarter 3:

2018 Lee County Florida Market Update: Volume and sales counts Q1 – Q3

2018 Lee County Florida Market Update: Pricing Q1 – Q3

2018 Lee County Florida Market Update: Quarter 4, Hurricane Irmas aftermath.

2018 Lee County Florida Market Update: Quarter 4

Sales counts and volume.

Median and Average Pricing.

The data shows that Hurricane Irma had an effect on the market. The bubbles charts show a reduction in the sales above $500,000. It does not take many of these price points to change the volume.

2018 Lee County Florida Market Update: Where are we at in this cycle?

We are correlating the last cycle from a retiree demographic standpoint but without the leverage driven mania that we experienced 200- 2006. We have a great demand than we did 2004-2006. We also appear to be growing a bit more checked. I attribute this due to the constraints in Dodd-Frank.

Things to watch for?

• Volume and pricing in season. We have a very early Easter (4/1/2018). This leads to a busy March and May/June.
• What effect do the millennia’s have on the market as they enter?
• Cape Coral lot metrics and permit growth?
• Dodd-Frank being repealed or watered down.
• When landlords can get an acceptable gain elsewhere. There is a lot of trapped equity. Rising interest rates could provide a destination for the trapped equity in the market.
• Rising Prices can provide a barrier for retirees.
• Workforce housing shortage?
• Tiny homes.
• New Fed Chief? Will they change velocity that rates are raised?
• True effect on the tax reform?
• Stock Market? What if it crashes? What if it does not?
• Cryptocurrency long-term trajectory and how mainstream does it become?

Stay tunbed and subscribe to our blog and or facebook page. We have an update coming from season and more work on the distressed, building permits and Cape Coral lot market.

Thanks for reading. Questions? Call 239 694 3300

Thinking of buying or selling? We would love to sit down and discuss your options.

 Steelbridge Realty LLC  is a Licensed Real Estate Brokerage that utilizes cutting-edge marketing techniques and data driven Real Estate solutions in today’s ever changing environment. Our group of professionals have decades of experience and have navigated through many business cycles. Our diverse background gives us the tools to guide people towards successful decisions.

During the beginning of the housing downturn, Steelbridge Realty LLC was the Brokerage arm of several private equity entities. We assisted them with asset modeling and market metrics. Many prominent local commercial projects were included in this scope of transactions. in 2012 Jeff and Cristina bought the other partner out and relocated the company to North Fort Myers. It now serves as a boutique style to firm cater to its clients and the community at large.

For more information call 239 694 3300 or use the form below.

Views: 665

The post 2018 Lee County Florida Market Update appeared first on Steelbridge Realty LLC.