Elegant Changes for Your Carillon Lakes Community Homes This 2015

Elegant Changes for Your Carillon Lakes Community Homes This 2015

A new year always feels exciting and hopeful for most people. And having a few new upgrades in their Carillon Lakes community homes is just but natural to feel more pumped as they welcome a new year. But the expenses of the holiday season may not allow you to go extravagant. If you want to apply elegant design solutions in your home but don’t want to break your budget, here are a few things you could easily do.

Put on a new rug

If you want to draw the attention to your beautiful floor, a fancy rug is the way to do. Gorgeous rugs can instantly make a room feel more elegant. Don’t go for the cheap ones. Instead, buy good quality rugs which can last you years. You may opt for a woven rug for a fancier decorative feel. 

Install fresh curtains

Curtains can do wonders in your homes for sale in Carillon Lakes community homes for sale this new year. Apart from hanging fresh new curtains on your windows, try using it as a divider between rooms, say the kitchen and your living room. The ceiling to floor types of curtains look sophisticated. Choose colors that match your home, but don’t go overboard with the designs. The good thing about curtains is you can always take it down and change it according to your desire. 

Change your wall paint

Your rooms will benefit on a fresh coat of paint this year. It’s fairly cheap compared to other home renovation ideas and it can make pronounce changes in your home. Still choose neutral hues since this would be friendlier to the eyes of a home buyer. You may experiment on techniques that could add depth to your rooms and make it look bigger that it actually is. Read some of the articles in http://www.LakelandFloridaLiving.com/ for more design tips. 

Combine elements

The fusion of different elements can be appealing. Combine elements of stones, wood, and metal when you choose different furniture in your living room, kitchen and dining room. You may also try rearranging furniture for a new look. Your imagination is your limit. When you’re done, invite other people in  your Carillon Lakes community home so you can get feedback on how it looks. 

Go natural

Another cheap way to add flair to your home is to bring in some greens. Potted plants can offer instant beautification and can also help maintain clean air inside your home. Combine this with wood and other organic furniture and you are sure to have a stylish room with a relaxing feel.

These very simple upgrades will definitely bring wonderful appeal in your homes for sale in Carillon Lakes community. Don’t be afraid that you can no longer spend to make your home look nice after all your celebrations. Sometimes you only need the expert eyes of a real estate agent, some simple tips, and a little effort to make your home lovelier and more stylish.

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 Carillon Lakes Community homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You!

Top 5 Things Carillon Lakes Community Homebuyers Miss to Check

Top 5 Things Carillon Lakes Community Homebuyers Miss to Check

Because home buying is a thrilling experience where you can get drowned in new vocabularies, stressed  by negotiations, and pre-occupied by fear of not getting your dream home, it is easy to miss a couple of things when inspecting homes for sale in Carillon Lakes Community. May the following list remind you of what you ought to pay attention to when house hunting, even before home inspection reports arrive.

1.       A curb with potential

You don’t need to find something with an award winning landscape. You just have to check if the curb of the home you are about to purchase can be transformed with a few simple makeovers. The outside is what people see first. So if you plan to have a home which would invite many potential buyers in the future, invest in something that could be just that given a little work.

2.       Structural issues

Structural issues might be one of the most expensive to deal with later on. No matter how pretty and cozy it looks, never be fooled by a home with faulty foundation. Also, inspect the roofs and the electrical and water systems as these are essential in your stay and can instantly cause danger when left unchecked.

3.       Heating and cooling system

A home must be a place of comfort. Check the heating and cooling system of your target Carillon Lakes Community homes for sale so you can be aware of any need for repair as early as now. This is especially important when you are buying a move in ready home and you need to move in soon.

4.       Neighborhood factors

When we talk about the neighborhood, we don’t just notice the houses along the streets or our neighbors. We take into account if it is properly maintained, if there are many teenagers out at night, if there are a lot of establishments, if it is within the school district, if medical facilities are near and if parks and leisure places are available. These are not just vital for you when you move in. These things also contribute to the resale value of your home should you decide to move out.

Making sure that you thoroughly check homes for sale in Carillon Lakes Community is important because apart from getting something worth the huge amount of money you will invest, you will also have to look further in the future and somehow analyze if your purchase has a good resale value. Get the opinion of a local agent to help you become more confident in inspecting the home.  Also, visit http://www.LakelandFloridaLiving.com/ for more home buying tips.

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 Carillon Lakes Community homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…
Going The Extra Mile For You!

What to Ask Neighbors Before Buying a Carillon Lakes Homes for Sale

What to Ask Neighbors Before Buying a Carillon Lakes Homes for Sale

One of the most frequent tips given  to homebuyers is to carefully inspect both the home and the neighborhood before purchasing the Carillon Lakes homes for sale they fell in love with. This is a truly helpful advice to avoid regretting anything at the end. If you are wondering how to start a conversation or what to ask your potential future neighbors, this list is definitely for you.

• Get to know them

Remember that the people you are talking with maybe someone you will everyday for the next few years. Get to know them a little better before firing questions about the home. At least ask for their names and how long they’ve been living there. This will help you gauge whether or not they are the best people to ask. Keep it brief, courteous, and cheerful. See how comfortable the conversation is.

• Ask about the neighborhood

Carillon Lakes is surely more than what meets the eyes. So it’s a good thing  to hear about actual facts and experiences from someone who has been living there for quite some time now. The police report might not cover certain things only residents can experience. Ask if the area is generally quiet, or if there are disruptions and what causes them. Also, ask about activities, clubs, and amenities. Knowing how  near the coffee shop is might be very important for you. Confirm these information as much as possible.

• Seek for information about the home

Yes, you do have a home inspection. You’ve even toured the home. But talking to a neighbor and asking about the home can be a good source of information about the home. You can touch on how the Carillon homes for sale is like when there are thunderstorms. You can also ask them to share with you the most recent events in the home. These things can give you clues on potential problems which contractors may need to address.

• Check if  the area is child-friendly

A kid-friendly neighborhood is a safe neighborhood. Even if you don’t have kids, this information can be really valuable. Ask for directions of schools and check if there are parks for play, a daycare center, local tutors or nannies. Making sure people in the neighborhood have places for recreation is important.

Don’t hesitate to ask  those questions before buying your desired Carillon Lakes home for sale. Although Carillon Lakes is definitely a wonderful place to live, it’s still a good thing to get first hand information from people who have experienced living there and who stayed.

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 Carillon Lakes homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You!

Will Open Houses Help Sell Your Carillon Lakes Homes for Sale?

Will Open Houses Help Sell Your Carillon Lakes Homes for Sale?

The question on how effective open houses are in selling Carillon Lakes homes for sale is still unanswered in many people’s minds. Like everything else in marketing strategies, it has its pros and cons. This article aims to enumerate those things to help you, as a home seller, understand all angles so you can make an informed decision on whether or not you will hold an open house.

Why some people don’t hold open houses

There are numerous reasons why some agents and home sellers prefer not to hold open houses. Here are some of them:

• The home is not ready for an open house - Sometimes, a home’s general appearance just isn’t ideal for open houses. It could be the size, the smell, or the structure, or something which you think would turn buyers off.
• There are too many listings - Your agent will have to be there in the day of the open house. If it is high time for listings, sometimes it is impossible to set open house schedule for your Carillon Lakes  Fl homes for sale.
• The home’s location - You can’t expect people to drop by your home if it is truly out of way. Traffic can affect how many visitors you will get and it might not yield as much if your home’s location is hard to find.
• Worries about strangers in the home - This is a common concern, and something no one should brush off easily. Some people are too worried about letting strangers in the home. Security is a big issue and for some, the risk is not worth taking.

Why open houses sell homes

Up until today, there are still a lot of agents and home sellers who swear by the effectiveness of open houses in selling homes fast. Here are the reasons why:

• Open houses draw more attention to your home in a shorter span of time - This means a lot of savings when it comes to marketing costs. The more buyers find your home, the faster it is likely to sell.
• It makes buyers feel more at ease - Compared to scheduled viewing, open houses allow for more than one prospective buyers to visit your home. This can ease tension and can help them focus on your homes for sale in Carillon Lakes.
• Buyers appreciate your home better - When all the listings only offer great photos. It will be beneficial if you offer a chance for them to actually be in your home and imagine themselves living in there. Try looking at wonderfully set up homes for sale in to www.lakelandfloridaliving.com.
• Open house is a good chance for buyers to survey the neighborhood - And when your home is in an attractive neighborhood, this will be good for you. Sharing your tips and favorites about the area will be helpful to buyers.
• Good neighbors can be factored in - Since they also drop by open houses sometimes, they could offer great testimonies of the place. More than that, your prospective buyers would most likely love the fact that their future neighbors are also kind and warm people.

Open house can be a great tool for your Lakeland Fl  homes for sale. You just have to talk with your agent to carefully plan it out so it works to your advantage. Consider the pros and cons above as you plan.

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 Carillon Lakes homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You!

How to Prepare Your Carillon Lakes Homes for Sale for Thanksgiving

How to Prepare Your Carillon Lakes Homes for Sale for Thanksgiving

Once again, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Before  you know it, more holidays are knocking at your Carillon Lakes homes for sale door. It’s easy to panic and get stressed knowing that aside from holiday preparations, your home must be ready for showing anytime. Don’t fret just yet. We’ve listed a few tips for your to stay in control by preparing your home this season.

• Clean up early, one area at a time.

Having to rush cleaning will never ever work. You know that pretty well. So before anything else, be organized in scheduling a daily cleaning activity in different areas of your home.

• Plan the menu as early as now

There are tons of food blogs online that feature Thanksgiving recipes. You can try them or stick to your family traditions. It’s a always a joy to reminisce as you plan.

• Decide if you will cook, order, or have your Thanksgiving meal catered.

Cooking in your Carillon Lakes homes for sale kitchen can be stressful and relaxing at the same time. Decide now whether or not you want to go through this cooking ordeal.

• Start inviting and asking for confirmation early.

Knowing how many people will come early on will help you estimate expenses and food quantity.

• If kids are around, get them involved with the preparations.

This is one way to make sure that your home won’t become too chaotic with the kids playing around while you’re putting up decorations.

• Try cooking what you can early then freeze them

If you really love cooking, then this trick will work for you.

• Declutter your home

Take away unnecessary displays or items in the home. Get rid of clutter on open spaces to make  your home look brighter.

• Have ready entertainment activities

Keeping everybody busy can be your life saver. Research for fun family and friends activities you can do on Thanksgiving.

• Dedicate places for everyone

Sleepovers are not impossible, so better prepare for them early. Where do your friends stay? How about your family? Planning these things can make your day truly organized.

• Do not hesitate to ask for help, especially if you can’t do things on  you own.

It is okay to ask for help. You can even contact your local agent for updates and suggestions on how to present your home this season.

Your Carillon Lakes homes for sale must be ready both for the holidays and for potential buyers. Don’t miss to follow these tips to make your preparations stress-free.

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 Carillon Lakes homes for sale.

Petra Norris, REALTOR®…

Going The Extra Mile For You!

5 Ways to Reduce the Energy Bill of Your Carillon Lakes Home

5 Ways to Reduce the Energy Bill of Your Carillon Lakes Home

Does saving $660 a year on the energy bills of your Carillon Lakes home sound good? Of course it does, but is it possible?

Here are 5 ways you can reduce your energy bill and save around $660 a year on energy expenses (and help save the environment, too!). Savings estimates are from U.S. Department of Energy and EPA.

• Seal and Caulk Air Leaks.
  

Buy a few can of caulk that matches the color of your exterior walls and make it a project over the weekend to seal any cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior walls.

Savings: up to $220/ year.

• Replace light bulbs.

Replace your light bulbs with LED or CFL light bulbs. LEDs are better since they do not contain mercury. Although LEDs are more expensive, they save you a huge amount in terms of energy costs in the long run.

Savings: $75/ year for replacing 5 most frequently-used light bulbs.

• Hire an HVAC professional.

An HVAC contractor will take a look at your ductwork to check for leaks and will give you a HVAC tune-up.

Savings: up to $330/ year for duct sealing and tune-up.

• Program Your Thermostat

According to Shelton Group CEO Suzanne Shelton, up to 40% of homeowners do not program their thermostat to energy-saving settings.

Savings: $180/ year

• Reduce Your Water Heater’s Temperature

Set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees instead of the 140 degrees that most heaters are set to. A drop of 20 degrees could save as much as 6% to 10% on your water heating costs every year, which makes up 14% to 18% of your Carillon Lake home’s utility bills. Wrapping your water heater and hot water pipes with insulating material can also save on heat loss.

Savings: $18-$39 per year.

Aside from these money and energy-saving tips, you could also do simple things to conserve energy like unplugging chargers when not in use, turning off and unplugging computers, TVs, and other devices instead of putting them on sleep mode, and reprogramming your thermostat to daylight savings time.

These simple tips, when added up, can give you huge savings on your Carillon Lakes home’s annual energy costs.

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 Carillon Lakes homes for sale.

Fall Maintenance Checklist for Your Carillon Lakes Home

Fall Maintenance Checklist for Your Carillon Lakes Home

Your Carillon Lakes home should be in great condition no matter what the season to maintain its resale value.

Here are some tips and a quick fall maintenance checklist to help you prepare your home for winter and avoid damages and costly repairs:

• Check for drips.
  

Remove garden hoses from all outdoor faucets. Hoses left attached to the faucet can cause water to back up in the faucets and pipes in your home’s walls and freeze once winter arrives. Frozen water could cause your faucet or pipes to expand or crack. To avoid this damage, make sure to make this item a priority in your fall maintenance checklist.

• Stow the mower.
  

If your mower sits for months with gas in the tank, the gas will gradually deteriorate and cause damage to the internal engine parts of the mower. Adding fuel stabilizers to your gasoline, which can be bought for $10 for a 10-ounce bottle, can prevent the gas in your mower from degrading and keep it in good condition over the winter. Once you add the fuel stabilizer to your gas, make sure to run the mower for 5 minutes to endure that the stabilizer reaches the carburetor.

• Put your sprinkler system to sleep.
  

Buried irrigation lines from the sprinkler system can also freeze during winter and cause damage to pipes and sprinkler heads. Make sure to turn off the water at the main valve and shut off the automatic controller of your sprinkler system. Open the drain valves to remove water from the system and remove any above-ground sprinkler heads and shake the water out, then replace. You can also hire an irrigation professional (worth $75-$150) to make sure the job is done right or if you don’t have drain valves.

• Seal up cracks. 
  

One of the most important fall maintenance jobs you can do for your home is to prevent moisture from getting inside your walls. Get some tubes of exterior caulk in colors matching your the exterior walls of your Carillon Lakes home. Seal up any cracks between the trim and siding, around door frames and windows, and where wires and pipes enter your home. Make sure to do this on a day when temperatures are above 50 degrees to ensure easy flow of the caulk.

• De-clog your gutters.
  

Ice dams are caused by clogged rain gutters and this can be expensive to repair. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris. Replace any damaged or worn gutters and downspouts. Downspouts should be extended at least five feet away from your home to prevent foundation problems. You can buy downspout extensions for $10-$20 each.

• Check your heating system.
  

Hire a heating and cooling professional to check and tune up your heating system. This may cost around $50-$100 for a check up. Get an annual maintenance contract to save 20% off the cost of a single checkup visit. Change furnace filters. This should be done every 2 months. If your HVAC has a built-in humidifier, make sure that the filter is replaced by the contractor.

• Prune plants, trees, and shrubs.
  

The best time to prune plants is late fall, when the growth cycle for summer is over. Keep branches and limbs at least 3 feet from your Carillon Lakes home to prevent moisture from dripping onto the roofing and siding. This also prevents damage to your exterior during strong winds.

• Check your fireplace.
  

Make sure your fireplace is safe by checking if the damper opens and closes properly. Check for and remove any obstructions in the flue like branches, leaves, or birds’ nests. Check the firebox for missing or cracked bricks and mortar. If you discover damages, get a fireplace and chimney inspection, which costs $79-$500. A professional chimney sweep will cost $150-$250.

Fall is the best time to prepare your home for winter. Follow this fall maintenance checklist to prevent damages and expensive repairs on your Carillon Lakes home.

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 Carillon Lakes homes for sale.