Put your money where the buyer is.....

I was waiting for some great information from my good friend, Leigh Speight with SunTrust mortgage, but in the absence of that, I thought I'd address a common concern among sellers.

Many sellers ask what they can do not only to make their homes show better, but what they can do to get the most money for their investment.

DO NOT install a pool.

While this is a great selling point in Florida and other warmer climes, you will not see an increase of $25,000 to $30,000 in the selling price by doing this. You'll go to the expense, inconvenience and hassle and not see a significant return on your investment.

DO NOT add a room.

See above.

DO LANDSCAPE.

The first appearance of your home to the buyer is the most important. The look of your home from the curb can make the difference between an interested buyer and one who just drives away. Spend your money here.

DO update your appliances.

Have avocado or yellow appliances? Spend the $2000 to upgrade your appliances in the kitchen. You'll see that money at closing.

DO paint.

If your rooms need freshening up, or you have made some funky color choices that may not appeal to the general public, choose some neutral colors and paint.

In short, look at the overall appearance of your home through buyer's eyes and you can inexpensively increase the value of your home and the chances that you'll see a contract.

Sales are up......

Pasco County reports an increase in sales of 27% over just last month.

The Europeans are taking advantage of the terrible exchange rate and getting fantastic deals.

What are you waiting for?

Don't forget the baby......

With the rising number of foreclosures occurring, a disturbing trend is taking place.

Thousands of family pets are either being turned in to area shelters or simply left in the home when the family vacates due to foreclosure. Shelters are teeming with pets who have been left behind due to downsizing or their families moving into apartments or rental properties which do not allow pets.

The good news is that many shelters are doing something about this issue. Some shelters allow families to leave their pets at the shelter temporarily, until they can find a home which accommodates pets.

The trickle-down effect is that shelters need your help. You can volunteer your time, donate food, towels, shampoo or cash.

Help if you can.

Vacations come early.....

With the still amazing bargains available in this area, more and more people from the North and Europe are scoping out vacation home possibilities.

What does this mean for you?

Not only are you missing out on incredible deals if you're hesitating to buy, but it could bring our market back into a balanced and normal state quicker.

We already know that nationally, the supply of listed properties is steadily decreasing. It seems as though demand in this area is increasing at about the same rate - good news.

Welcome snowbirds!