Venice Area Homes Blog

I recently completed and was awarded the designation Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES^®) by the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®(NAR). 

The SRES^® designation became an official member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® family of designations in June 2007. The designation was originally developed 10 years ago to focus on the needs of home buyers and sellers aged 50 and over.

It has been reported that in five years 40% of the U.S. population will be age 55 or older.  By earning my SRES^® designation I have an understanding that seniors have very specialized needs when it comes to purchasing and selling property and have received extensive education on topics such as:  tax laws, probate and estate planning.  I can also offer you relevant information on current market trends as well as valuable resources regarding real estate transactions.

I am excited by be your Seniors Real Estate Specialist for the Venice Florida areas, providing you with a customized approach to your specific 50+ real estate needs. 

Contact Kari A. Battaglia, PA GRI SRES^® , licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your home, answer general questions or to help you search for homes for sale in Venice Florida.  I currently serve customers in Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, South Venice, Laurel, Osprey and Casey Key and Manasota Key communities.  As a private landowner, I also have Tennessee properties available in the Chattanooga area. Call or email me to receive a list of Tennessee properties available for sale.

Contact me by email at Kari@DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com.  Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851.  Copyright©2009. By Kari A. Battaglia PA.  All Rights Reserved.

DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com - FREE MLS Search, Buyers guide, Sellers guide, Community Info/Links

My goal is not simply to sell your house, but to help you realize the best price obtainable for your property in the shortest period of time. In today's buyers market, there are things you should do to prepare your home for sale.  These suggestions require a minimum amount of time and expense to complete and are designed to make your house stand out from the competition and capture the homebuyers attention. You have probably heard how important first impressions can be. But did you know that within 15 seconds a homebuyer has developed an opinion of your property? This is why establishing the right first impression is critical to achieving a successful sale.

The Home Front

Your property's landscape is not limited to the lawn and shrubs but encompasses everything from the street to your doorstep. For this reason, you must make sure each component of the visual landscape looks its best. This is referred to as "curb appeal."

1. Street - make sure the street in front of your house is free of litter and debris. If necessary, give it a fresh sweep.

2. Sidewalk - sweep your sidewalk if needed and remove weeds that may be growing between cracks.

3. Fence - A freshly painted fence gives a home a crisp look. You should never let a peeling, tired-looking fence or squeaky gate stand between a prospective buyer and a positive first impression.

4. Mailbox/Light Fixtures - A quick painting of an old mailbox will elt the buyer know you care about the details. If outdoor lamps look rusted and worn out, new ones will cast a positive light on your property.

5. Fire Hydrant - Although you do not own the fire hydrant in front of your house, you should still be concerned about how it looks. If it needs a freshening up, get permission from your town and paint it.

Landscaping

Neatly trimmed shrubs are essential. Taking the time to do this costs little, but has a big impact. Besides freshly mowed and trimmed, a lawn should look healthy. If there are spots that looks beyond help, a little sod goes a ong way to restoring the look of a well-maintained lawn. Paint A fresh coat of paint can be one of the best investments you can make to increase the value of your property. If you do not want to spend the money to pain the entire house, consider just the shutters or the front of the house.

Windows

Attractive windows can help increase the appeal of your property. Replace any cracked or broken glass; make sure windows are sparkling clean; add shutters to the front of your house; install window boxes with bright flowers; apply touch up paint where needed.

Roof

The roof may be the single most important aspect of your home front. A well maintained roof will say a lot about the overall condition of the property. Replace any broken or missing shingles or tiles; repair flashing where needed; paint eves and fascia boards; if the roof is old and needs to be replaced, considered having the work done before showing the property.

Doorway

The doorway is the focal point of your house. Repaint the door; apply new door hardware; install a brass kick plate; replace house numbers; put a flower box or planter alongside the door; install a new front light fixture.

Showing attention to detail and understanding the buyer's need can dramatically increase the saleability of your property. I would be happy to assist you with recommendations to help your house sell for the highest price obtainable in the shortest period of time. Give me a call anytime at 941-270-1851.

Contact Kari A. Battaglia PA, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your home, answer general questions or to help you search for homes for sale in Venice Florida.  I currently serve customers in Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, South Venice, Laurel, Osprey and Casey Key and Manasota Key communities.  As a private landowner, I also have Tennessee properties available in the Chattanooga area. Call or email me to receive a list of Tennessee properties available for sale.

Contact me by email at Kari@DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com.  Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851.  Copyright©2009. By Kari A. Battaglia PA.  All Rights Reserved.

DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com - FREE MLS Search, Buyers guide, Sellers guide, Community Info/Links

Contact Movers

Get estimates from at least two movers. Choose one and set the date. Check on cargo insurance covering your personal belongings.

Change of Address

Pick up a change of address card at your local Post Office. Also contact life, health, auto and homeowner's insurance companies, credit card companies, magazine/newspaper subscription offices, clubs and organizations, banks, doctors' offices, friends and family.

Insurance Policy Transfer

Be sure your personal possessions will be covered en route and upon arrival at your new home.

Utility Companies

Notify local utility companies of cut-off date and where to send the final bill, if necessary. Also notify the utility companies (gas, oil, electricity, water, phone, cable) in your new community of your expected start-up date. Find out whether you need to pay a deposit in advance or you will be billed.

Pick up any items you may have at cleaning or repair shops, etc.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the changes to the Homebuyer Tax Credit according to the National Association of Realtors...

Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?                   Answer: No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.

Question: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?                                                                                     Answer: Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement. 

Question: I am a firsttime homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?     Answer: Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phaseout range).

Question: I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a nonnegotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?Answer: No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.

Question: I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?      Answer: Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.

Question: I am an eligible firsttime homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?          Answer: You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.

Contact Kari A. Battaglia PA, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your home, answer general questions or to help you search for homes for sale in Venice Florida.  I currently serve customers in Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, South Venice, Laurel, Osprey and Casey Key and Manasota Key communities.  As a private landowner, I also have Tennessee properties available in the Chattanooga area. Call or email me to receive a list of Tennessee properties available for sale.

Contact me by email at Kari@DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com.  Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851.  Copyright©2009. By Kari A. Battaglia PA.  All Rights Reserved.

DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com - FREE MLS Search, Buyers guide, Sellers guide, Community Info/Links

Claudia McNeely from Texas Tweeted this Thomas Jeffereson quote this morning.  I just love quotes from Thomas Jefferson and wanted to share with my fellow ActiveRainers.

  "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it & hang on."-Thomas Jefferson

Contact Kari A. Battaglia PA, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your home, answer general questions or to help you search for homes for sale in Venice Florida.  I currently serve customers in Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, South Venice, Laurel, Osprey and Casey Key and Manasota Key communities.  As a private landowner, I also have Tennessee properties available in the Chattanooga area. Call or email me to receive a list of Tennessee properties available for sale.

Contact me by email at Kari@DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com.  Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851.  Copyright©2009. By Kari A. Battaglia PA.  All Rights Reserved.

www.DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com - FREE MLS Home Search, Buyers guide, Sellers guide, Community info & links

Whether you are buying or selling a home in Venice Florida or surrounding areas of Nokomis and Englewood, the process can be stressful. Most home buyers, when buying a home, typically have a home inspection, mold inspection or termite inspection completed for peace of mind.  Home buyers want to know if there are any major defects with the home, if anything can potentially lead to a major defect or if there are any safety hazards that they should be made aware of before they purchase a home.  Not many home buyers or sellers are aware of another kind of inspection that should be ordered, a Wind Mitigation Inspection.

What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?  A Wind Mitigation Inspection can identify how to strong your home is built.  Florida homeowners may be able to receive a discount on their wind insurance premiums potentially up to 30% or more of the wind portion of the insurance premium.  The inspection usually takes less than an hour and the savings is usually in the form of a check direct from your insurance company within 3-6 weeks.  You need to call your insurance company to see who they recommend to do the inspection and what discounts are available to you.  You can receive discounts on certain building features such as:

• Hurricane protection on all of your windows and exterior doors, such as shutters or impact resistance windows
• Garage door reinforcements
• A hip roof (sloped on all sides like a pyramid)
• Roof to wall connections that are installed with hurricane clips/straps. Discounts will vary depending on the type of connection
• Florida Building Code-approved roof covering. Discounts will vary depending on the type of covering such as asphalt, tile or metal

There are many benefits of having a Wind Mitigation Report completed before you buy your next home in the Venice Florida area, and the savings you may receive will be the icing on the cake.

Contact Kari A. Battaglia PA, licensed Realtor® in Venice Florida at 941-270-1851 to list your home, answer general questions or to help you search for homes for sale in Venice Florida.  I currently serve customers in Venice Florida, Englewood Florida, Nokomis Florida, South Venice, Laurel, Osprey and Casey Key and Manasota Key communities.  As a private landowner, I also have Tennessee properties available in the Chattanooga area. Call or email me to receive a list of Tennessee properties available for sale.

Contact me by email at Kari@DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com.  Need information fast, call me direct at 941-270-1851.  Copyright©2009. By Kari A. Battaglia PA.  All Rights Reserved.

www.DiscoverVeniceRealEstate.com - FREE MLS Home Search, Buyers guide, Sellers guide, Community info & links