5 Fall Tips for Outdoor Lighting

  As we transition into the fall months here on the Emerald Coast, we may not experience the same cooler temperatures and changing colors as our friends up north, but we do share one common characteristic: shorter days. That's right, the sun rises later and sets earlier, which means limited daylight. So, if you're planning to list your home this fall, it's crucial to consider your exterior lighting to ensure a warm and inviting atmosphere even during those darker hours. Plus, let's not forget that proper lighting can also serve as a theft deterrent. Let's dive into some fantastic fall outdoor lighting tips to enhance your home's appeal:   1. Embrace Solar LightingSolar lighting is a smart and sustainable way to showcase your yard's landscape and illuminate paths and walkways. Just remember to position your solar lights in areas that receive abundant sunlight during the day, so they'll have ample energy to shine bright when the sun goes down.   2. Highlight Your Patios and DecksIf you're fortunate enough to have a patio, deck, or gathering space separate from your home, don't miss out on the chance to create a stunning border with lights. You can string lights along the railings or even consider lights that fit within your patio umbrella. These umbrella solar light sets, available at your local hardware store, add a charming touch and provide delightful accent lighting, even if the umbrella won't be staying with the house.   3. Avoid Window GlareTo ensure your home looks its best, avoid shining lights directly on the windows. Glare can be distracting and hinder your home's overall appearance. Instead, strive for well-balanced lighting that complements the architectural features without causing clashes between different light sources.   4. Get Creative with UplightingUplighting is a clever technique that involves positioning lights at an upward angle to make your home appear larger and draw attention to its unique architectural elements. For the best effect, try uplighting from both sides of the house, creating a captivating and balanced look.   5. Prioritize SafetyDon't forget to incorporate lighting that promotes safety on your property. Make sure any steps or inclines are well lit to avoid potential accidents or injuries. By strategically arranging lights for safety, you'll provide peace of mind to potential buyers and showcase your commitment to a secure living environment.     By following these tips, you'll enhance your home's curb appeal and create a welcoming atmosphere throughout the fall season. But why stop there? We're here to support you every step of the way on your journey to selling your home. Contact Us today for more personalized and expert advice on how to make your home stand out in the market. Let us share additional strategies and insights to help you achieve a successful sale. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make your home shine brighter than ever before. Reach out to us now and let's make your selling experience a breeze!

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Navigating a Seller's Market: How to Snag Your Dream Home

    People looking to purchase their first, or second home need to prepare themselves for this highly competitive market we find ourselves in. With lack of housing supply around the nation, attractive homes are bringing in multiple offers sometimes in only a few hours. So, what can you do to help sellers choose your offer over the rest? Check out these four ways you can "Snag Your Dream Home" in a seller's market:   1: Know What You WantWhen the real estate market is hot, there isn't time for second guesses. Be proactive and make a list of "Must-Haves" and be prepared to make an offer when you find the one that checks all those boxes. When you take too long to decide if you like the house, the neighborhood, or even the price you risk the chance of someone who was more prepared to buy the house from under you. 2: Lock Down Your FinancingNo one likes pesky surprises, especially sellers. If you are making an offer, back it up with proof you can pay for it. If you’re able to pay "cash" (no need for financial assistance from a third party) then come armed with a “Proof of Funds” letter from your financial institution. If you need financing assistance, bring a “Pre-Approval” letter from your lender of choice*. This not only shows a seller that you mean business, but it also shows that you can “put your money where your offer is”! 3: Don’t Play GamesEveryone wants to a deal when purchasing their home, but the truth is, lowball offers don’t usually end well, especially not in a seller’s market. Do you research on the pricing in the neighborhood you like and lean on the expertise of your real estate agent for guidance. They can help you determine market value based on what has been happening in that specific neighborhood. 4: Be Flexible on TimingEveryone has their reasons for selling their home and timetables can be a big factor. Maybe the seller is looking to sell quick and move on. Or they might need to wait on something before they can move out. Whatever the case may be, try to be flexible on time when possible. Your real estate agent can help you figure out timetables that are appropriate not only for helping the offer get accepted but that are also realistic depending on your circumstances.   To recap: Know what you want with your list of “Must-Haves” so you don’t have to second guess everything. Lock down your financing, whether it be showing you have the funds to purchase or having a pre-approval letter from a lender. Don’t play games by offering too low. And last, be flexible and realistic with timing. Now these are just some of the things that will help you snag your dream home. For more help in landing your perfect property, contact us! We would love to help.     *Please contact us for a list of local lenders that can help you get pre-approved.

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How to Choose the Best Property Manager for Your Airbnb

How to Choose the Best Property Manager for Your Short-Term Rental Property New to Airbnb? Been doing this for a while, but wondering if you should switch Property Management Companies? Here on the Emerald Coast in Florida's Panhandle, Short Term Rentals are big business. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of Property Managers to choose from. Your choice of Property Management Company can be the difference between a successful, profitable investment property and a regret-fueled headache. A good property manager has excellent customer service, both for the owners and their guests. They employ diligent cleaning and maintenance crews, and they are quick to foresee, notice, or react to the inevitable issues that arise. In short, they know how to earn a 5 star review from reasonable guests.  So where do you start in selecting a Property Manager for your beach investment?  1) Narrow it down to a few choices. Ask your trusted Real Estate Agent (like the experts on the Endsley Team at Gulf Realty 30A) who they recommend. We'll supply you with a short list of options to see who might be the best fit for your property. If you aren't currently working with us, feel free to send us a message and we'll give you some recommendations.  Is your rental located somewhere other than the Destin to Panama City Beach area of Florida? Hop onto VRBO and Airbnb and look for superhosts who host 5 star properties in your area. Oftentimes these will be hosted by professional property managers, not individuals. Reach out to them.  2) Ask the right questions. Here is a list of possible questions to ask Property Managers to see if they'll help lead you to Short-Term Rental Success: Would you please send any informational materials you have about the terms, pricing, and services you offer, including an example copy of your contract? What is your management fee, and what does it cover? Do you provide the door lock, linens, and/or thermostat for the property?  What websites will you put the listing on? VRBO and Airbnb? If you don’t use VRBO or Airbnb, can I list it on those sites myself?  Will this property be promoted on any social media channels? Do you allow the owners to have input on the amount charged? Do you adjust the prices up and down based on the market and demand? (This is called dynamic pricing) Can I provide a welcome gift? (ie water, cookies, etc)  Do you include a professional photographer for the listing photos? Do you charge the owners for weeks their friends and family make use of the property? How do owners go about reserving weeks for their personal use? Do you meet the guests in person at check-in? Who does the property inspection after a guest checks out to look for burned out bulbs, stained furniture, or other maintenance issues? How often does management spot-check the cleaning crews' work?  How much do you charge for routine maintenance (i.e. replacing hvac filters), and what is included? How do you handle as needed maintenance like a clogged drain, internet not working, a/c is broken, etc? (Many Property Managers will automatically fix issues up to a certain dollar amount like $200 and invoice you for the work. Any issues above that amount will require your approval before fixing.) What is the charge for after-hours emergency maintenance?  How often do you disburse funds to the owners, and are payments made electronically or via paper check? How do you screen guests to be sure they are abiding by minimum age requirements, maximum occupancy rules, etc? 3) Read the reviews on the properties they currently manage. This is an important one. Look specifically for mentions of things like "Very responsive", "took care of the issue quickly", and "Home was spotless".  4) Check resources like Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau to read reviews of the Company. You can also ask the Company for a list of references if you'd like to speak to other owners on their program.    A well-run, professional Property Management Company can be one of your greatest allies in your short-term rental investment journey. Take your time to explore your options, ask the right questions, and double-check the company's reputation. You'll be giving yourself -and your investment- the best chance at succeeding!  Happy investing friends! - Julie    

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