Frugal Home Staging Ideas for Your Grasslands Community Homes for Sale

Frugal Home Staging Ideas for Your Grasslands Community Homes for Sale

Home staging has been proven to increase the appeal of a home. In fact, the Real Estate Staging Association has conducted a survey  a few years back and found out that from an average of over 150 days in  the market, homes that have been staged and re-listed took an average of only over 40 days to sell. That’s how powerful staging can be. Your Grasslands community homes for sale will definitely benefit from staging.

However, many people think that staging has to be expensive. This is not true. There are a lot of cheap home staging tips you can run to that would still prove to be effective in adding value to your home. Here are some of them:

• Working on the inside:

• Clearing your home of clutter and personal items is the first major step after cleaning. Perhaps the only cost it will entail are boxes for your personal belongings where you could put items to donate or store. Personal memorabilia don’t need to be seen by buyers when  they visit, as well as the pile of keys, pens, and bills on the counter. Keep your home tidy and organized.

• Keeping rooms neutral. There is  a reason behind the usual practice of most hotels to keep their rooms neutral. Apart from appealing to more varieties of people, having neutral colored rooms can help you become more creative o arrangements or design. Don’t hesitate to shell out some money for repainting. they would surely be worth it.

• Adding decorative and useful pieces. Flowers are great additions to any homes for sale in Grasslands community. It makes rooms feel fresh and bright. Putting mirrors also help in making rooms appear bright and roomy. These touches cost very little but make huge differences.

• Investing on new curtains, towels, and rugs. Nothing beats the fresh feeling brought by these  things when they are new. Your home is given an instant facelift when you have new and fresh sheets, curtains, towels and rugs.

• Rearranging furniture can help you emphasize the selling points of your home. Keep huge furniture from blocking pathways, storage,  and fireplaces. Make sure  that the purpose of each room are clear based on the design you will apply.

• Setting the table and making the bed can do wonders on how your home looks on buyers’ perspective. Having these things ready can help them imagine living in your home

• Working on the outside

• Remove unwanted and unpleasant items like garbage cans. Steps as simple as these can actually cost you a lot. Your Grasslands community homes for sale will benefit from wonderful first impression.

• Mow the lawn, sweep the sidewalk and clean driveway. Keeping the outside of your home clean will not cost you anything. But it can definitely keep a lasting impression of maintenance and cleanliness to the buyers.

• Invest on plants and shrubberies. The better the landscaping is, the more attractive your home would be. Try to add some plants in pots that could beautify your yard. Working on this is also a great stress reliever especially when you are in to plants.

• Determine if your doors and windows need upgrading. Details like these can be easily noticed by buyers and can say a lot about how well the home is maintained. Apply a fresh coat of paint, use a new knob, or put up a new door number if you desire. These little changes can surely spruce up your home’s entrance.

Your Grasslands community homes for sale will have a better chance at getting buyers’ attention if it is staged. Try these frugal tips if your budget is tight to effectively increase the value of your home. To see more charming staged homes, visit www.lakelandfloridaliving.com today.

Call me, Petra Norris, at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com if you’re looking for a Lakeland Florida real estate agent with superior local knowledge, experience, professionalism, integrity, and personal service to help you sell or buy Grasslands Community homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You!

How to Pick Christina Community Homes for Sale With Good Resale Value

How to Pick Christina Community Homes for Sale With Good Resale Value

It is not often that buyers think of the resale value of the Christina community homes for sale they are buying. Most would dwell on evaluating the home in terms of how it measures up to the your current criteria based on your needs. But since a home is a a huge investment and plans can change, you should be wise in choosing homes so you end up with something you can sell for a good price when the need arises. Here are some of the things you check if you want to buy a home with a good resale value.

• Assess the location

Since location is something you really have no control over, it is a good thing to prioritize this on your list. A home within a close proximity to major establishments like schools, medical facilities, shopping places, restaurants, and other businesses would be great in resale value. Everyone would love to live in such a place. Getting homes for sale in Christina community is thus very ideal as it is close to these and more.

• Check the lot and home size

Having an home with an even land is a a good thing as people will desire this more. In addition, it is advisable that as much as possible, you should try to buy a home with 3 or more bedrooms. This is an ideal number specially for couples who would want an extra room either as an office or a guest room.

• Evaluate the interior of the home

The layout of the home is an important factor when it comes to its resale value. An open floor plan is very much sought after by more home buyers because of how freely they can move around and how easy it would be to design if ever. Moreover, checking the interior means making sure the home has no major damages that might decrease its price in the future. Pay attention to the foundation, walls, and floors. Everybody love storage so homes for sale in Christina community with lots of storage can wow many buyers.

• Consider the exterior

The curb appeal of the home can very well spark interest of buyers and can be a wonderful feature to highlight when you resell. A home with a view will score more offers for sure. Similarly, those homes with garages, especially if they are more than two.

• Compare it with other homes in the neighborhood

Having a home that is smallest in the neighborhood might not sound good. Same thing with having the biggest home in the neighborhood. These extremes are not that attractive when you reveal them to future potential buyers so might as well avoid such homes when it’s your time to buy.

These guidelines are pretty simple and clear and it can surely help you choose Christina community homes for sale which has a good resale value. Try checking out www.lakelandfloridaliving.com for amazing homes to give you an idea.

Call me, Petra Norris, at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com if you’re looking for a Lakeland Florida real estate agent with superior local knowledge, experience, professionalism, integrity, and personal service to help you sell or buy Christina Community homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You!

Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Home For Sale | 6210 Crane Dr, Lakeland, FL 33809

Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Home For Sale | 6210 Crane Dr, Lakeland, FL 33809

Ever dreamed of living in a 55+ Community home that comes with a breathtaking view of the golf course, fantastic home features and superb privileges to live an envious lifestyle befitting your needs? Then this must be your lucky day! This Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home for sale in Polk County awaits you. The 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom single story home sits on an acreage of up to 10,889 Sq. Ft. and boasts of wonderful amenities you would surely adore.

The home also comes with a spacious living room and dining room combination, a kitchen, a lanai and an office or den. It is meticulously maintained from the exterior's splendid mature landscaping to the interior's neutral design and awesome features. Spending your day here with friends and family is definitely going to be a delight.

Another wonderful thing about this home is its absolute move in ready condition. You can just imagine living in it once you step on its carpeted floors. Apart from it being well maintained, the inclusions are truly great! It has a screened patio or deck and is ready with a roomy attic, blinds and ceiling fans.

The large living room is housed under beautiful vaulted ceilings. The best thing about this part of this home for sale in Sandpiper Lakeland Fl is the home's smart design combining a huge space so that the living room and kitchen will be close to each other. This will make bonding moments with friends and relatives a lot more enjoyable since food will be easily accessible from the living room. And who wouldn't love that, right?

Never seem to have enough space for all your pantry supplies? That won't be a problem here as the kitchen adorned with solid stone counters boasts of well kept wooden closet pantry. And to top it all off, you never have to worry about bringing in heavy appliances as it comes with an updated side-by-side refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and range. Talk about complete kitchen heaven!

End a fun filled day with a deep slumber in this fabulous master bedroom. Keeping your clothes neat and organized the way you want it is easy as this part of the home comes with a lovely walk in closet.

Start your day with an energizing shower in the master bathroom. It features of a sit-in shower, precisely what you need for a quick boost. An equally nice separate bathroom is also found in the home so your guests will have a truly comfortable stay. The split floor-plan design of this home for sale in Sandpiper Lakeland Fl that makes privacy a priority for you and your guests.

The lanai can easily become your favorite part of the home. It is enclosed but at the same time offers a perfect view of the golf course, you only need a cool lemonade or hot coffee and some soothing music and you have a complete formula for a relaxing afternoon.

This Sandpiper Lakeland home for sale is truly a great match for 55+ adults who seek an active and private lifestyle. One can enjoy golfing, swimming, tennis, jogging or walking in its safe neighborhood. Friends and families will not have a hard time driving when they visit as the home has an easy access to I-4 east to Disney or west to the pristine beaches of the Gulf. The Regional hospital, as well as shops and restaurant are all nearby, making it a real gem when it comes to location.

Call me, Petra Norris at 863-619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com so I can assist you in making this dream home yours today.

Criteria for Choosing the Size of Your Grasslands Community Homes

Criteria for Choosing the Size of Your Grasslands Community Homes

With a number of upscaled villas and splendid executive homes for sale in Grasslands community, it is easy to get emotionally attached with the first lovely home you see. But if you really want to be wise in choosing the best home for you, and probably for your family, you will have to carefully decide on a size that’s perfect for your needs. Too large a house can pose a problem and too small ones can likewise be problematic. Here are some of the considerations you must factor in when deciding on the best home to buy in terms of size.

• What do you need now and in the future?

Both your present situation and your future plans must be taken into account when choosing your home size. How many will live in the home now? Any changes in that number in the future? Some people choose 3 or 6 bedroom homes because of the size of their family or the family they plan to have. Do you consider having friends or relatives over for holidays and special occasions? Do you need a home office? Do you have pets? Do you need an open floor plan or a home with many clear cut divisions? These things must have an impact on the choice of how big or small your choice of Grasslands community homes for sale should be.

• Can you handle the maintenance cost?

It is understandable that a bigger home entails more expensive maintenance costs. For instance, it is a lot cheaper to replace a whole roof of a home when necessary if it is relatively small in area and has three floors. It doesn’t work the same way when you have an upscaled, expansive one story mansion for a home. There are a lot more maintenance costs you must think of which might affect your budget in the future. Having enough emergency fund or having a good insurance can help, but it would be a lot less troublesome if you start by buying a home that’s just about the size you could maintain.

• What’s your furniture and design preferences?

Some people prefer to design a home with huge furniture and decorative pieces. And some of them may already own such items from their previous homes so there’s no need  to buy. But if this is the first time you are buying a home and you’ve lived in an apartment for quite some time, that means the need to purchase furniture may arise. You wouldn’t want a room to be all bare. So when you choose a home, picture the design you want and consider the cost you might need to shell out for furniture to complete your newly acquired homes for sale in Grasslands community.

• Who is going to clean?

This might be funny but it is a serious question that is largely affected by home sizes. If a home is too huge and you are alone, chances are, it would require a lot of time and effort to clean it. So unless you are planning to pay for home cleaners regularly, choose a moderately sized home which won’t be hard for you to clean.

Surveys show that people are now leaning  towards choosing moderately sized homes compared to years ago. This trend will most likely be stable for a while. But no matter the opinion of the general public, the size of your home should entirely depend on you, using the factors listed above. You can always visit www.lakelandfloridaliving.com if you want to see some amazing Grasslands community homes for sale in different sizes.  

Call me, Petra Norris, at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com if you’re looking for a Lakeland Florida real estate agent with superior local knowledge, experience, professionalism, integrity, and personal service to help you sell or buy Grasslands Community homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You!

Signs that Christina Community is a Prospering Neighborhood

Signs that Christina Community is a Prospering Neighborhood

Too often the focus of home buyers fall on the homes for sale more than on anything else. But if you are to consider not just the home buying process but also your life after you move in to your new Christina community homes for sale, you would probably pay more attention to the neighborhood. One that is uprising is always more preferred because of economical reasons. Here are some of the most common signs that a community is a prospering one.

• Presence and distance from major business and establishments

Of course, you won’t be looking for a home in a remote area where shopping places, schools or restaurants are miles and miles away. Buying homes for sale in Christina Community is a great move precisely because these amenities are just present in the area. Moreover, there are places for recreation and natural resources like ponds and lakes nearby. This tree lined community is just a few minutes drive away from downtown Lakeland where major parks, restaurants and other services are abundant. Having these services around means business is good in the area and that jobs and other opportunities for financial growth are present.

• Splendid views around the place

A view can increase the value of a home. A place with plenty of good views seen from houses can be a magnet for many home buyers and businesses. Properties with magnificent views of mountains or bodies of water are sure to score high on the market. Some other examples are homes for sale with lake front or golf front. If a neighborhood has many of these types of houses, then it can only mean good thing economically.

• Clean and organized surroundings

A neighborhood with organized systems for keeping the area clean is always a good sign. You can see this obvious characteristic of top performing neighborhoods anywhere in the world - streets regularly swept and kept free from litter, healthy tree lines, manicured lawns, landscaped yards, perfectly working street lamps, traffic system, and effective garbage disposal.

• Improving  statistics

For sources of publicly available information about a neighborhood, you can always consult the internet. But one person who could probably answer your questions in a flash would be a local real estate agent who has had experience in helping people buy and sell homes for sale in Christina community. They can share with you important statistics that are good indicators to tell that a community is doing well. Some examples are market reports, old and new amenities in the neighborhood, trends in appreciation and depreciation of homes for sale values, among others.

• Very low safety concerns

Your safety in your new neighborhood must be one of your primary concerns. It helps to check crime rates of the area. You can also survey the place at night to see if street lights are working and if suspicious activities and people can be spotted. A prospering neighborhood like Christina community will not have any problems on these aspects.

These are things you have to look out for if you wish to live in a home that’s sure to host economic growth in the next few years. Your Christina community homes for sale will surely be a good investment because of these factors outside the home. Start looking at homes in the many prospering communities in Lakeland Fl when you check out www.lakelandfloridaliving.com.

Call me, Petra Norris, at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com if you’re looking for a Lakeland Florida real estate agent with superior local knowledge, experience, professionalism, integrity, and personal service to help you sell or buy Grasslands Community homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You!

Experience the Splendid Solivita 55+ Community Living

Experience the Splendid Solivita 55+ Community Living

A well planned and award-winning upscale adult community everyone would dream of retiring to - that’s Solivita 55+ Community. This luxurious adult community stretched in 43,000 acres of land in Central Florida boasts of exquisite planning and superb architectural designs both in its homes and amenities.

It’s no wonder that it has won a plethora of industry awards for community planning, design and even for sustaining a healthy environment. The beauty of it is that residents have a genuine passion for cooperation and goodwill, such that it recently just got the award for the 2014 Community of Excellence for Civic Volunteerism & Advocacy among its residents.

Want to have a sneak peak of the awesome Solivita 55+ Community living? Here are just some of the things that would surely make you stay:

Homes in Solivita are awesome for adults

Solivita community offers a wide array of homes that come in varying designs and sizes, but all built with you in mind. You can choose from attached or detached single family homes or from the many floor plans that would let you enjoy the relaxed Florida weather in the comfort of your abode. Also, security is something you can count on as this gated community has a 24 hour staff on duty to monitor access in it.

It promotes lovely lifestyle and leisure

The convenience of living in Solivita adult community comes with the existence of a Mediterranean Village Center which houses plenty of establishments for one’s needs. The area in and around it is filled with state-of-the-art amenities. From art galleries, to swimming pools, to restaurants, to the brilliant Riviera Spa and Fitness center, to medical facilities, to golf clubs and even to the magnificent Starlite Ballroom, Solivita would definitely allow you to enjoy the lifestyle you want.

The environment is perfectly preserved

This 55+ community is gated and it’s natural resources are well preserved. You could try walking the picturesque mile foot path, biking around the village or even boating at the Oak Crest waterway to experience the lush Florida woods and lakes. The outdoors would really give your spirit a fresh and much needed recharge.

Proximity to major attractions is prime

Solivita adult community is perfectly nestled in Central Florida, with just a few minutes away from downtown Kissimmee Fl and a little over 20 miles south of Walt Disney World in Orlando and the Orlando International Airport. It also houses two champion golf courses. The popular Stonegate Golf club can be your favorite destination. Getting your friends and family to come by and visit is never going to be difficult with all these major attractions lined up.

Activities for 55+ abound

In this community, continuous learning is highly regarded. That is why numerous classes are held every week for you to choose from. You can try social, fitness, golf, or arts and crafts classes to enrich your mind and body and at the same time, widen your network.

Call me, Petra Norris at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com to know more about the terrific Solivita 55+ Community today.

Upgraded Home for Sale in Solivita Community FL | 213 Grand Canal Dr

Upgraded Home for Sale in Solivita Community FL | 213 Grand Canal Dr

Seated within one of Florida’s most prestigious 55+ communities, this upgraded home for sale in Solivita Community FL offers the best of living for active adults. This beautiful 1 story, single family home is located at 213 Grand Canal Dr, Poinciana, FL 334759 and features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, and a half-bathroom.

Everything about this home—from its location down to its inner dwellings―is truly noteworthy. The main community of Solivita has been duly recognized for its astounding home and community design, and eco-friendliness. Solivita features a lot of amenities including a beautiful Mediterranean-style Village Center that has lots of venues for recreational activities, a fully-equipped fitness center, and 2 world class championship golf courses.

The home itself is located in Venezia at Solivita. Besides the facilities found of the main community, Venezia has tennis courts and a swimming pool nearby. Indeed, all the amenities and perks found around this home for sale in Solivita Community FL are the essential things that every active 55+ adult would want, need, and enjoy.

From the outside, you will find this home to be very inviting. Its cobblestone walkway is surrounded by a beautiful and neatly landscaped lawn. As you enter the home, you will be astounded by its breezy open floor plan, which makes it very easy to decorate or customize according to your linking.

Inside, you will be greeted by a very lovely and spacious living room that is great for receiving guests, friends or family alike. This amount of space offered by this room is perfect especially for those with visiting grandchildren.

This home for sale in Solivita Community FL features a lot of upgrades. The kitchen has upgraded appliances, a great amount of cabinet space, and under-cabinet lighting.

The home has 2 lovely bedrooms. Both bedrooms are as cozy as they are spacious, and exude a very homey atmosphere. In addition to this, the master bedroom also features an upgraded bay window and a large walk-in closet.

The master bedroom also has an attached full bathroom. The master bathroom features a beautifully designed vanity and an amply spaced shower area. The other bathroom is a half-bath, and is directly located in front of the second bedroom.

As you exit towards the back of the home, you will find a very relaxing screened lanai overlooking 2 lovely ponds that sit amidst the beautiful and green surroundings of the community. This is a wonderful place to spend time with friends over tea or coffee; or to relax and quietly read your favorite book especially on lazy afternoons.

This lovely home for sale in Solivita Community FL has all the essentials needed to achieve the perfect active adult lifestyle. More information about this property can be found at my website, www.lakelandfloridaliving.com.

To know how you can be the proud owner of this beautiful home and experience adult life at its finest, call me, Petra Norris at 863-619-6918, and I will be very happy to help you attain the home of your dreams.

5 Questions a Christina Community Homes For Sale Buyer Should Ask

5 Questions a Christina Community Homes For Sale Buyer Should Ask

Home buying is a huge decision for everyone. Aside from the fact that it will affect your finances, it will also affect your lives and how you live it. Even if you are planning to purchase one of the lovely homes for sale in Christina Community, you have to be absolutely sure first that you want to do this big step. That is why it is important to ask yourself the following questions before you decide to dive into the home buying scene.

• What is my goal in the next few years?

Unlike renting, home buying is a more permanent thing if you look at it that way. It is necessary to think ahead, say 5 to 10 years before you buy your perfect home. Your choice of neighborhood or type of home can change based on your plans. For instance, job relocation, getting married, or having a baby must be considered when you choose to buy homes

• How is my financial situation?

Realistically, you need to have  good credit record, a stable income, and a significant amount of savings before you can say that you’re financially ready to buy a home. Review your finances and be honest on whether or not you  really can afford to buy a home. If ever you funds are not enough, do not worry since there are things you can do. You can work on paying your loans on time, securing a stable job, and at the same time saving a percentage of your monthly income to build your savings.

• What do I want in a neighborhood?

The home is as important as it’s location. Sometimes, the latter even counts more. That’s because the location of your home cannot be changed. Inspect around the neighborhood to give a you a feel of how it is to live there. Consider proximity to establishments and your work place. Christina Community is a non-gated, tree lined community that is close  to schools, parks, shopping area, and is just a few minutes drive from downtown Lakeland. It also boasts of good fishing places like the Christina Lakes and Six Pound Pond. If these are things you are looking for, then this neighborhood is for you.

• What do I want in a home?

There are a variety of homes for sale in Christina Community in Lakeland Fl. You can choose from affordable condominiums, single family homes, luxurious gated or executive homes. Again, this would lead you  to number 1 above since your future will pretty much have a say on the type of home you must own. Add to that, you must be ready to list your priorities when it comes to home features. Sometimes choosing to forgo a feature can decrease the price ranges of homes you may need to check.

• Do I know a reliable agent?

This might be one of the most crucial choices you would make when home buying. Working with a reliable local agent who knows the community by heart and who is willing to go the extra mile to serve you will make everything easier. It is easy to get lost and overwhelmed in the whole process but having an agent to make sure you understand the details and that you get the best deal is truly a great help.

Make sure to ask yourself these important questions when you start on the road to home ownership. Getting the best Christina Community homes for sale without breaking a sweat will be possible if you do so. If you are ready to scout for homes, you can start by visiting www.lakelandfloridaliving.com.

Call me, Petra Norris, at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at petra@petranorris.com if you’re looking for a Lakeland Florida real estate agent with superior local knowledge, experience, professionalism, integrity, and personal service to help you sell or buy Christina Community homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You!

4 Tips For First-Time Grasslands Community Homes for Sale Buyers

4 Tips For First-Time Grasslands Community Homes for Sale Buyers

As a first-time home buyer, your excitement and anxiety levels might be on the roof. And this is understandable because it is such a big leap when you finally get to own your own house. So in order to avoid the negative energy of stress and disappointments from coming your way, make sure to follow these useful steps on buying your first Grasslands community homes for sale.

• Work with a trusted local agent

If this is your first time in the home buying scene, the tons of new vocabularies, complexity of legalities, constant need for coordination, and unbelievable amount of paper work can easily overwhelm you. It’s a good thing that you need not dive into this on your own. Your agent can help you understand the process and locate the best options of homes available within your taste and budget.

The agent you will choose must have knowledge about homes for sale in Grasslands community. Searching for your ideal home must be easy with an experienced local agent by your side.

• Secure a pre-approval

When you finally get a glimpse of your ideal home, it is a huge disappointment to find out it can’t be yours. Other buyers might score the deal you would miss. So get ahead with everyone else by securing a pre-approval to ensure that you can finance your home purchase. A pre-approved buyer will surely be favored by the seller since this indicates the buyer’s capacity to actually pay for the home.

• Survey the community

Know everything you can about the neighborhood. There is a reason why the real estate industry gives great importance on location. It’s an aspect you cannot change but would affect your lives in a great way after you move in to your new home. It is not enough to check on photos and information online. You have to actually be there and get the feel of the place, experience the drive to and from work, and interact with possible future neighbors who can feed you with valuable information about the community as well as about the Grasslands Community homes for sale.

Grasslands community is an exclusive private country club community developed in the heart of Lakeland Fl. It is home to top of the line tennis and swimming facilities, huge golf courses, lovely movie theatres, a plethora of restaurants and shopping places, and also within a close proximity to schools, churches, and medical facilities. If this is the type of community you are looking for, then Grasslands community is definitely for you.

• Prepare a checklist of your ideal home

Do you fancy an a lake front or golf front upscale villa? Or perhaps one of the luxurious townhomes or affordable condominiums? Or maybe one of the many executive homes for sale in Grasslands community fits your taste better? Whatever it is, you must have a clear idea of what you want in your home. List down all the must haves and those features which may just be nice to have. This will narrow down your search much easier so you could truly focus on viewing and inspecting homes that qualify your criteria.

Being a first-time home owner of one of the homes for sale in Grasslands community is really exciting. Try to avoid stress as much as possible by following these simple  tips. You can also start your home search online by visiting www.lakelandfloridaliving.com.

Call me, Petra Norris, at (863) 619-6918 or send me an email at http://www.servinglakelandfl.com/ if you’re looking for a Lakeland Florida real estate agent with superior local knowledge, experience, professionalism, integrity, and personal service to help you sell or buy Grasslands Community homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You!