Tag Archives: sell your south florida home

4 Selling Strategies That Will Get You Top Dollar for Your Home

access_timeMay 28, 2020personScott Patterson

Despite the uncertainty of the last few months, now is actually a fantastic time to sell your home in South Florida. In fact, pent up buyer demand, low inventory, and relatively stable prices have given sellers an even greater advantage than ever before. However, that doesn’t mean you can just put a “For Sale” sign up in front of your house and lure in potential buyers!

Here Are Some of My Best Home Selling Strategies

Selling your home requires proven tactics, tons of research, and a defined plan of action. If you’re eager to move quickly and get top dollar for your property, my strategies can help you get started on the right foot. Here are a few exclusive tips to keep in mind throughout the selling process.

Work with the Right Agent

Real estate agent helping with selling strategies

Your agent can make or break your entire home sale, so it’s crucial to interview a few candidates before settling on “the one.” The right real estate agent should have plenty of experience in your area, a solid marketing strategy, and a proven track record of success.

Of course, it’s also important to connect with your agent on a more personal level, too. Make sure you get along and that they have a clear understanding of your selling goals. Remember—an agent is supposed to have your best interests in mind!

Price Correctly

Even the most gorgeous homes can sit on the market if they aren’t priced correctly. And unless you have quite a bit of selling experience under your belt, it can be hard to know just how much your property is worth. That’s why it’s best to turn to the experts when it comes to pricing!

Talk to your agent to determine the best price for your home before it hits the market. They can help you attract plenty of buyers while also protecting your hard earned equity. Many agents also offer a free comparative market analysis, which can help you discover how much your home is really worth if you’re still on the fence about selling.

Stage for Success

When buyers tour your listing, they’ll want to envision themselves living in your space. Unfortunately, your clutter and personalized decor is probably not part of their vision. That’s why staging your home is so important—but it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive.

First, start by deep cleaning your space and getting rid of any excess clutter. From there, you can add a fresh coat of neutral colored paint to your walls, pare down your accessories, and get rid of any large furniture. Drawing back the curtains and lighting a scented candle can also add a magical touch right before a showing.

Always Be Flexible

It might be a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be flexible with buyers. Try your best to accommodate showings, and never stay in a home when buyers are present. The last thing you want to do is make them feel uncomfortable and jeopardize your sale!

If you’re having trouble making time for showings, try to clear your schedule as much as possible. It’s also a good idea to plan your errands or work schedule around home tours, so you’ll have a reason to be out of the house. It might seem inconvenient, but these sacrifices will be worth it once you finally sell your property.

Looking for More Selling Strategies?

If you’re interested in learning more about my top home selling strategies, I’d love to offer my expertise! I’m Scott Patterson, and I have decades of experience helping clients sell their homes in South Florida. Just give me a call to get started, and don’t forget to check out my seller resources to learn more.

What You Should Know About Appealing to Buyers with Pets

access_timeFebruary 27, 2020personScott Patterson

Did you know that 67% of Americans own some kind of pet? Dogs and cats unsurprisingly reign supreme, and when it comes to selling your home, it’s important to keep them in mind. Appealing to buyers with pets is easier than you might think, even if you don’t have a furry friend of your own. Here are a few pointers to get you started!

Show Off Pet-Friendly Features

Puppy with toy appealing to buyers with pets

Many agents will say that you have to hide every trace of your pet when you’re selling your home. Thankfully, this isn’t always the case. While you don’t want to leave food bowls and litter boxes on display for buyers, you can still tastefully show off your home’s pet-friendly features.

Many buyers are willing to pay a premium for dedicated pet space, so now is the time to get creative. If you have a little nook under your staircase or an empty spot in your built-in shelving, you can DIY a lounge space for Fluffy and Fido. Consider adding a small bed, a new toy, or clean food bowls to create the perfect ambiance!

Highlight Special Amenities

Many new communities in South Florida are crafting a one-of-a-kind living experience for homeowners and pets alike. It’s not uncommon to find a neighborhood with its own dog park, pet grooming station, and even on-site pet daycare! Condo and apartment complexes are also winning over buyers with more lenient pet policies.

If you have any of these benefits, be sure to tell your agent about them. They can help you market your home as a pet-friendly space, which will help you appeal to a wider variety of buyers.

Showcase Your Outdoor Space

Many buyers are on the hunt for a property with plenty of outdoor space…but it’s not for the reason you might think. Pet owners are even willing to relocate for their furry friends, and a huge yard is often at the top of their “must have” list.

If you do have tons of outdoor space, don’t forget to showcase it in your listing. A few flattering photos can help, too—just be sure to clean up any brown spots on your lawn beforehand. Don’t have a yard of your own? Highlight any nearby dog parks or green space instead.

Work with the Right Agent

Believe it or not, there are agents that specialize in buying and selling pet-friendly homes. These agents often work with vets, groomers, and other pet pros to foster communities dedicated to our furry friends. Even if your real estate pro doesn’t market themselves as a pet-friendly agent, they probably still have a few tips that can help you out.

When you discuss your selling goals with your agent, be sure to mention any special features that might win over animal lovers. If you live in a condo complex with some of the amenities mentioned above, you should probably include those perks in your listing.

Do You Need Help Appealing to Buyers with Pets?

When you’re listing your South Florida home, only work with the best of the best. I’m Scott Patterson, and I’d love to help you market your home to all different kinds of buyers. Just drop me a line to see what I can do for you, and be sure to check out my seller resources, too.

4 Bigger Budget Projects That Increase Your Home’s Value

access_timeJanuary 21, 2020personScott Patterson

Tackling a big renovation can be hard, especially if you don’t know what to expect. However, larger makeovers can definitely be worth the time and money, especially if you want to increase your resale value. Not sure which improvements are worth it? Before you pick up that hammer, check out our list of bigger budget projects to see which ones will pay for themselves!

Updating Your Kitchen

Let’s face it—kitchens sell homes. If your space feels stuck in the early aughts, now is the time to give it a complete facelift. In fact, sellers can expect to see almost a 93% return on investment after tackling a total kitchen remodel. However, the key to making the most off of your improvement is considering the cost of materials versus actual value you’re getting back.

Most buyers are looking for pretty standard upgrades, such as granite countertops, plenty of light, and newer appliances. Unless you plan on staying in your home for a long time, big splurges (like custom cabinets or gourmet appliances) might not be the best way to maximize the value of your kitchen.

Improving Your Bathroom

Bathroom renovation, one of the bigger budget projects

As the years go on, buyers are expecting more and more from their bathrooms. Nowadays, it’s not just about toilets and showers! In an ideal world, your space will have a stunning vanity, all new tile, and sparkling finishes. And if you have an ensuite, a huge closet and a soaking tub with have buyers’ jaws on the floor.

If all of this sounds overwhelming, you might want to narrow your bathroom renovation down to a few key upgrades. You can promote function by adding extra storage in the form of a vanity or linen closet. For a dash of luxury, consider installing some designer light fixtures or putting in a separate shower and tub. When in doubt, adding some fresh paint and tile can always do the trick, too!

Sprucing Up Your Curb Appeal

When it comes wowing buyers, it’s crucial to start off with a great first impression. The exterior of your home is the first thing people see when they drive up, so you’ll want to get it up to snuff with the rest of your place. Even if you aren’t planning on selling any time soon, boosting your curb appeal will give you the prettiest house on the block!

Get ready for flowers, bushes, and shrubs—adding some landscaping is the easiest way to make your exterior pop. If you really want to go the extra mile, consider replacing your walkway, painting your front porch, or even resodding your lawn. All of these little touches can turn into a big project, but they really do pay for themselves.

Adding a Pool

If you own a home in Florida, you might want to consider adding a pool if you don’t already have one. In most other American cities, having a private swimming space won’t yield a return—but our market is a bit different.

Over half of all newly sold Miami homes have pools, and that number jumps to nearly 90% when you reach a luxury price range. Although having your own spot to swim does cost a pretty penny, South Florida is one of the only places in the country where building one is totally worth it.

Getting Ready to Tackle Some Bigger Budget Projects?

If you’re getting ready to renovate your home before you list, we’re here to help you out! As South Florida real estate experts, we know which bigger budget projects are worth it…and which ones you might want to avoid. Looking for more seller resources? Just drop us a line—we’re always here to answer your questions!

Looking Back on 2019: The Top Home Design Trends of the Past Year

access_timeDecember 6, 2019personScott Patterson

With each new year comes new trends—in food, in fashion, in entertainment, and, of course, in interior design. This year was all about sleek minimalism, and you can expect much of the popular trends of 2019 to carry through into 2020.

Here’s a look back on the top design trends of the past year—and which ones you can expect to stick around next year.

Nordic Touches

If you put industrial design and minimalism into a Venn diagram, Nordic influence would be the overlap in the center. In practice, Nordic touches look like muted tones of gray and blue, dark metal and rich wood accents, and plenty of natural lighting. It’s clean, it’s bright, and above all, it’s stylish.

Here to stay?

In 2020, you can still expect to see many elements of the Nordic trend in interior design, particularly in color palettes. Keep an eye out for ways to increase the lighting and draw attention to colors in your own space!

Statement Pieces

This year was all about minimalism, but that’s not to say there wasn’t room for creative expression. Statement pieces—whether in furniture, lighting, rugs, or any other feature—were all the rage for pulling rooms together, including intricate wall lighting, ornate rugs, and curved couches and chairs.

Here to stay?

In our opinion, statement pieces will stick around next year, but in a different way. We expect there to be a move away from actual physical statement pieces, and instead a use of colors to draw in the eye—especially through furniture.

Plant Life

Houseplants, a popular 2019 interior design trend.

This year, everyone—but especially millennials—went all in on house plants. Check any hip Instagram or Pinterest account, and you’ll see rooms filled with potted plants on shelves, hanging plants suspended from the ceiling, and greenery atop every table. And it makes sense—plants not only boost your mood, but are also a great way to fill space in your home!

Here to stay?

Plants can be a bit of a commitment, so unless people accidentally kill theirs off, you can expect them to stick around for a while…at least through 2020. Next year, we may even see favor shift to larger plants!

Geometric Patterns

Honeycomb shelving, geo terrariums, octagonal mirrors—you couldn’t walk into a store this year without seeing some form of geometric home decor. The trend was in part influenced by its ability to mesh well with other popular designs, like industrial and boho chic.

Here to stay?

The dynamic nature of geometric patterns doesn’t fit too well with minimalistic design, so you shouldn’t count on this trend lasting into next year.

Dark Colors

A dark kitchen, a popular 2019 design trend.

Perhaps influenced by the blues and grays of Nordic design, dark colors were splashed throughout homes everywhere this year, particularly in kitchens. Edgy shades of black, grey, and blue blended well with metallic and wood accents and preserved that modern and minimalistic atmosphere.

Here to stay?

Dark colors certainly fit the bill for next year, but we also wouldn’t be surprised to see them moving out of favor as people gravitate towards lighter pastels and muted tones—which tend to open up the space a little more than the former.

Stay on Top of the Latest Trends

Whether it’s interior design or the hottest new spots in South Florida, my team is here to make sure that you don’t miss out any of the latest trends. Be sure to stay up-to-date with out blog, and check out my top picks around the area!

Thinking of making the move to South Florida? Browse my buying resources, use my specialized search tool to narrow down your options, and check out my area guides to learn about what life here has to offer. Once you’re ready to get started, I’m just a phone call away.

Sell Your Home Fast & for Top Dollar with My Extensive Marketing Plan

access_timeNovember 19, 2019personScott Patterson

Pricing right. Staging for success. Flexibility with showings. There’s a lot that goes into selling a home…but none of it matters if you’re not getting buyers through the door. For that, you’ll need a marketing plan—and an effective one at that.

Luckily, I can help. Over the years, I’ve carefully developed a comprehensive, strategic marketing plan that’s tailored to each of my clients’ needs. If you want to get buyers through your door, here’s how I can help you do it.

Onsite Marketing Plan

Professional staging advice: Homes that are effectively staged not only sell faster than those that aren’t, but also sell for a higher price. I’ll help you create an in-depth, personalized plan to make sure your home looks its best!
Custom property brochures: I’ll create a custom brochure that highlights the best parts of your home. It’s perfect for passing out to potential buyers and other agents!
Buyer/broker prospectus: This packet will contain important info like survey, elevation certificate, maps, brochures, property disclosure and more, all in one convenient place.
Visitor follow-up and thank you card: As long as the buyer is not represented by another Realtor, I’ll be sure to send them along a thank you card after their showing, just to keep your home fresh in their minds.

Professional Photos

A drone hovering above a person's hands.

These days, buyers are more likely to tour a home online before ever seeing it in person. That means your photos can make or break the deal. For my clients, I hire one of the best photographers in the South Florida area, equipped with remote flashes and Photoshop editing to give you the highest quality product.

But it doesn’t stop there! I also utilize top Aerial drone technology to create stunning bird’s eye photos and video tours.

Print Marketing

A pair of glasses sitting on a print publication.

Magazine display ads: Want your home advertised to buyer’s agents in South Florida and beyond? With my marketing plan, you can expect a spot in renowned South Florida magazines and national/international magazines such as Christies International Real Estate.
EWM publications: The Southeast Florida-based EWM Realty has two publications: their “Lifestyle Magazine” and “Casa and Condos.” Both are mailed to specific neighborhoods and homes in the area—and both can feature your property.
Classified ads: Some of the best writers in the area will put words to the magic of your home, creating compelling copy that’ll be placed in papers like the Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel, and South Florida Business Journal.
Postcards: You never know if anyone in your immediate area knows someone looking for a home nearby! I’ll send out “Just Listed” postcards filled with high quality photos and detailed info to a large radius around your neighborhood.

Email & Web Marketing

People pointing to a home tour on a laptop screen.

Email blasts: Since I’ve been working in real estate around South Florida for years now, I’ve built up an impressive collection of local contacts and potential buyers. I’ll send email blasts to both to make them aware of your property.
Professional video tours: Want buyers to be able to see what makes your home so one-of-a-kind without even leaving their couch? My professional video tours will showcase the finest details of your property.
Domains: I’ve got over 70 active domains on the internet, and I’ll make sure your home is listed on each.
Social media platforms: Google, Facebook, Instagram—I’ll use my established social media platforms to help spread the word about your home. Through increased engagement, you stand to get thousands of extra eyes on your property.

Ready to Learn More about My Marketing Plan?

That’s far from the end of what my comprehensive marketing plan offers. Want to learn more? Give me a call today, and I’d love to talk about what your tailored strategy might look like.

In the meantime, feel free to browse my additional resources for South Florida sellers. Any questions along the way? Just let me know!