Valerie’s Blog

In the current fast-moving seller’s market, many homeowners believe they can sell their home on their own and save on Realtor® commissions. You no doubt would agree that saving $18,000 - $20,000 on your sale would feel very nice, indeed. But be careful -- not everyone can negotiate like a professional. One key factor that sellers do not consider is that your Realtor® is there to guide you and to look out for your interests. It is easy to make a verbal mistake that discloses how eager you are to move (read, willing to reduce your price), or that repairs...

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What is the scariest home situation you’ve seen? My home inspector was examining a duplex home that had been improved by the owner, without relevant permits. The two halves shared an attic, with no fire barrier. There were electrical panels in the bathroom of one unit that had been enlarged. There were uncapped live wires at several of the non-working fixtures, but one of them was routed around and over the shower. What is one situation that makes you happy? I had an older couple living on Social Security who were residents of a mobile home community. They owned their...

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Join us at The Springs of South Biscayne for a lively panel discussion on common scams impacting adults. Wednesday, October 18, from 9:30-11:00. The event is FREE but seating is limited. Call Melissa Vanderbilt-Bestor at 800-900-0594 for a reservation.

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Welcome the Buyer at Entry: Simple touches of a new clean doormat, fresh coat of paint (if needed to front door), polishing door handles, potted flowers on porch , new bright light bulb in porch light, sweeping away those pesky cobwebs and leaves. Get rid of it: Eliminate the excess that has accumulated, place in storage, have a yard sale or donate. Buyers need to visualize themselves as if they were living there. Please leave some personality so it does not look like generic room as people often purchase into a lifestyle as much as property. Show them the attractive...

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    If you are like most people, you take pride in caring for yourself. That could mean cleaning, shopping, bathing, maintaining your finances, remembering to order and take your medications, and getting around on your own. But sometimes as we age, we just don’t have the energy to do these things, or we become forgetful. So they pile up, or go undone, creating distress for loved ones, as well dangerous situations for ourselves.   As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, I have the training and understanding to help homeowners and their family members sort through housing options. Maybe you...

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If you’re like most people, your Florida dream house is about 1,800 square feet, with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a pool. It is in a nice neighborhood with similar homes. When cutting the grass got to be too much, you hired someone for $80-100 per month to take care of it. When the pool got to be too much, you hired someone for $75-90 a month. Then the water softener system was too much trouble, so you contracted for a service to maintain the filtration and perhaps the reverse-osmosis system. After a few years, the house needed updating, and...

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