Dolan Home Group

Dolan Home Group

Why Staging is Important

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First impressions are everything! When it comes to selling a home and attracting potential buyers, appearance can make or break a sale, especially in a competitive market!  Almost all buyers these days start their home search online, which means the first impression they get of your home is the posted pictures. Home staging will create the beautiful and professional look needed for your property to stand out to buyers who are scrolling through real estate websites. Instead of seeing cluttered, dark rooms with outdated furniture and family portraits to distract them, they will see a beautifully presented home they will want to see in person.

A staged property will always immediately stand out, and draw more interest!  If people don’t like what they see online, there’s a good chance they’ll pass on seeing it in person. If there’s more than one home for sale in your neighborhood, staging can also help your home stand out from your neighbors. This can be especially important if your home is older and going up against new construction.

Before and After Staging

One of the greatest benefits of staging vacant homes is the fact that it helps downplay a property’s flaws and highlights its best features. When buyers walk into an empty room, their eyes will immediately be drawn to anything negative/flawed. When a room is staged, flaws are no longer the focus of the space, and instead buyers will see the fireplace that’s highlighted by the artwork above it, or the beautifully styled built-ins!  Similarly, vacant rooms will appear smaller when empty than they do when furnished, making staging a must! A buyer might walk into a bedroom and think it’s too small to fit a queen bed and dresser, but if the small room is staged buyers will see just how much and what type of furniture they can actually fit inside! It’s all about how the space is presented, and staging helps present every room in its best light!  

Before and After Staging

Home under contract in 3 days with multiple offers!

Heather Jones | Owner/Designer of STAR STAGING AND DESIGN

March 2018 Newsletter

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Happy March! 

March brings longer days!  Don’t forget to set your clocks on March 11th as we spring forward one hour to gain a little more time for fun in the sun. 

If you are looking for something a little different to do this St. Patrick’s Day, check out My Virtual 5K Run.  This virtural run starts on March 5th and ends on March 31st.  You choose the location and set your own pace.  This race to the gold allows you to be fit and stop for that green beer whereever and whenever. 

Featured Home

Better than new construction!  Beautiful home with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathroom, loft, screened lanai, designer details and much more. All for under $300,000.  Just click or tap image for full details.

If you have any questions about the above home or if we can help you with your real estate needs, please don’t hesitate to call or text Linda at 904-504-6717 or Carol at 904-962-7044.  You can also visit our website at:  www.DolanRealEstateGroup.com.

Best always,

Linda, Carol and Shannon

Zucchini Noodles and Arugula with Bacon, Corn and Ricotta 

Ingredients:

  • 1 ear of corn
  • 2 medium zucchinis, Blade D, noodles trimmed
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon zest
  • 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced
  • 1 cup arugula
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place the corn in a medium pot, cover with water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cook another 2 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain into a colander and set aside.
  2. While the corn is cooking, set a large skillet over medium-high heat and once heated, add in the bacon. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until crispy and then transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
  3. Pour out half of the bacon grease and immediately add in the zucchini noodles. Season with red pepper flakes, garlic powder, lemon, zest and cook for 3 minutes or until cooked to your preference.
  4. Shave the corn into the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Toss to combine and then divide into bowls. Top with equal amounts of ricotta, seasoned with fresh cracked pepper, arugula and bacon and serve.

 

Sources:Inspiralized

Thought of the Day

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”
– John Muir

Spring Has Arrived-Here’s How to Minimize the Impact of Allergies

Springtime is here: the flowers are blooming, the temperatures are rising…and your allergies are becoming unbearable. For millions of people, the beautiful weather of spring brings the unwelcome plague of congestion, sore throats, and irritated eyes. While it’s impossible to completely avoid pollen and other substances that cause allergies, there are several steps you can take in order to reduce the impact of this seasonal nuisance. Consider the following:

  • Begin incorporating small doses of outdoor allergens into your diet. While it may seem counterintuitive, consuming small amounts of substances like locally sourced honey, basil and other herbs, or jasmine and chamomile tea will help your body develop a tolerance to the allergens prevalent in your area.
  • Reduce your intake of dairy products. Dairy may increase your production of mucus, which can amplify your discomfort if you are already congested due to allergies. Instead, swap out the dairy products for anti-inflammatory choices, like fruits and dark leafy greens.
  • Pay attention to pollen counts. Check the internet or a local news station for the daily pollen count in your area. Above-average levels will trigger allergy symptoms, so be sure to avoid spending time outside as much as possible on days when counts are high. In addition, going outside later in the day is usually better as many trees pollinate in the morning. Dry, windy days may also cause excess irritation—it is best to spend time outdoors after it rains and some of the pollen has been washed away.
  • Take a shower after being outside. Pollen may accumulate in your hair, skin, and clothing, and tracking it indoors will exacerbate your allergic symptoms. Minimize this effect by quickly getting changed, washing your clothing, and taking a shower once you come inside, as well as washing your linens at least once a week.

 

Sources: NEAMB & Mayo Clinic

A Guide to Stress-Free Downsizing 

Downsizing—or the process of moving from a larger home to a smaller one—is a major life transition that many people of all ages undergo. Downsizing may be necessitated by financial concerns, or it may be chosen due to a change in circumstances, such as moving in with a significant other, retiring, relocating from the suburbs to the city, or just being enticed by the simplicity of a smaller home. Regardless of the reason, the process of downsizing may evoke mixed emotions, like stress and sadness alongside excitement and relief.

Are you thinking about taking the momentous step of downsizing your home? Here are a few strategies for minimizing the chaos and ensuring a smooth transition for your family:

  • Start paring down your belongings as early as possible. Since downsizing typically involves moving to a home with less storage space, getting rid of furniture and personal possessions is one of the most important—and most daunting—steps in the process. As your moving date approaches, the pressure may cause you to hastily toss things that you wanted to keep. The key to avoiding this is to begin the long process of sorting through your belongings as soon as you make the decision to downsize.
  • Divide your possessions into clear categories.As you decide which items will make it to your new home, it may help to categorize them by items that you must keep, those that you would like to keep but could live without, and those that you are willing to sell, throw out, or donate to charity. As you make these difficult decisions, ask yourself what you would take with you if your home were threatened by an encroaching fire and you only had 30 minutes to pack your possessions and leave. This will help you quickly discern which items are most important—and which could be replaced once you are settled in your new home.
  • Use technology to preserve memories.Taking a picture of items with sentimental value—such as old photos or letters—will help you preserve them in perpetuity without having to haul the hard copies along on your move. Ensure that the pictures you take of these items are properly saved on a cloud-based storage system in order to minimize the risk of losing anything.
  • Choose furniture and other objects with multiple purposes.Living in a smaller home requires that each item that takes up space should serve as many functions as possible. For example, look for tables with drawers and cabinets underneath, sleeper sofas, or ottomans with removable lids that reveal storage space inside.
  • Measure the dimensions of your furniture.If your new home has smaller rooms, your existing furniture may seem oversized and cause the room to feel crowded. Knowing the exact dimensions of your furniture as you embark on your home search will help you plan the layouts of your new rooms—and get a better idea of how much you really need to get rid of.
  • If you are overwhelmed, consider working with a professional organizer.Downsizing is a big step, and consulting an experienced professional will help you sort through your possessions—and the emotions tied to them—so that you can have an easy transition and happy lifestyle in your new home.

Sources:  HGTV & Apartment Therapy
REAL.jpg If you are currently working with another Broker please do not consider this a solicitation. EHO.jpg

October 2017 Newsletter – Happy Halloween!

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As the leaves turn we are reminded of the season to come!  Halloween is right around the corner.  What are you and your family planning?  Send us your family photos to Sales@DolanrRealEstateGroup.com.  Best photo will be featured on our Instagram and Facebook page!

It’s time to start making your Halloween plans.  Check out Halloween in Jax for all of our local options!

FEATURED HOME

Meticulously maintained home close to shopping, restaurants and beach.  Located just north of Beach Blvd.

For more homes available, please visit www.My904Homes.com

Happy October from:

Linda, Carol and Shannon

www.DolanRealEstateGroup.com

Hatch Chile Corn Pudding

Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces frozen corn kernels (4 cups), thawed and drained, at room temperature, divided
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (4 ounces) Hatch green chiles, diced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (6 ounces), divided
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Puree 3 cups corn in a food processor. Transfer to a large bowl, and stir in remaining cup corn, the salt, scallions, chiles, flour, and 1/3 cup cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and cream just until combined. Stir into corn mixture.
  2.   Place butter in an 8-inch square baking dish, and place in oven until butter is melted, about 10 minutes. Pour batter into hot baking dish, and sprinkle top with remaining 1 2/3 cups cheese. Place a baking sheet on lower rack to catch any drips, and bake until puffed and bubbling and cheese is golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool 30 minutes before serving

 

Recipe from marthastrewart.com

Thought of the Day
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”
– Dale Carnegie

Stay Ahead of the Cold Weather with These Fall Maintenance Tasks

As summer fades from memory and the season of colorful leaves and crisp air begins, homeowners must take steps to prepare their homes for the colder weather of winter. Even if you do not live in a particularly chilly climate, fall is a great time to ensure that your home’s maintenance is up to snuff.

Here are a few easy steps to take to keep your home in prime condition this fall:

    • Maintain the yard. Trim all shrubs and trees away from the home, making sure that no tree limbs touch the house. Dead trees that lean toward your home are a recipe for disaster and should be professionally removed.
    • Check the roof and gutters. Loose shingles and roof leaks must be repaired prior to the heavy storms that are common in the colder months. Gutters serve the important task of moving rain water away from the foundation. If they are clogged, water can travel into the home and do considerable damage to the walls. Consider having your gutters professionally cleaned after most of the leaves have fallen.
    • Ensure that the furnace, fireplaces, and smoke detectors are in safe condition. As you start to use your fireplace and furnace to stay warm, be sure that they will not present a hazard. Having the furnace professionally cleaned each year will keep it working safely so that it will not emit carbon monoxide fumes, and chimney sweeps can keep your fireplace functioning optimally. It is also crucial to equip your home with both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Fall is the perfect time to change the batteries and test the performance of these life saving tools.
  • Seal those cracks. An inexpensive way to keep the warm air in and the cold air out is to seal visible cracks around the home with clear caulk. Weather stripping installed around doors and windows is also very cost and energy effective.

 

Buying a Home? Ask These Questions Before Making an Offer

Shopping for a new home is an exhilarating yet stressful process, and it can be easy for buyers to become emotionally attached to a property without carefully considering all the factors that will impact their investment. A home’s flaws may not be immediately obvious, but taking the time to do your due diligence before entering negotiations could save you unnecessary expense and disappointment down the road.

Before you become enamored with a home’s brand-new kitchen or great backyard, here are a few important questions to ask:

  1. What types of properties are located near the home? Neighboring properties can have a major impact on a home’s value—as well as the owner’s happiness. For example, nearby commercial and industrial properties are likely to have a negative impact on resale value. If you notice a vacant lot, it could be a sign that a new construction project is likely. Determining if there are any building plans for the vacant lot will help you gauge whether the home you are interested in will someday lose its great view or the neighborhood will experience a surge in traffic. In addition to these types of properties, be on the lookout for potential nuisances, such as power lines, train tracks, or a nearby highway or airport.
  2. What other factors could impact the home’s future resale value? When you are house hunting, a subsequent move may be the last thing on your mind. However, resale value should be an important consideration for most buyers. While the neighborhood and surrounding properties generally have the greatest impact on resale value, other considerations are important as well. For example, does the home have a choppy floor plan? An inadequate number of bathrooms? A small garage? Structural flaws like these are difficult to rectify and could be a powerful deterrent to future buyers.
  3. How long has the property been on the market? Gaining a better understanding of the seller’s situation will be helpful if you are serious about making an offer. If the home has been for sale for three or more months, there is a strong chance that you will be able to negotiate the price. On the other hand, if it was just placed on the market, be prepared to act swiftly—newly listed homes tend to generate a lot of interest, and you will face more competition.
  4. What are the average monthly tax and utility costs? As a homeowner, a sizable part of your monthly budget is dedicated to utilities and property taxes. These expenses can vary greatly from one home to another, so they may be higher than what you are used to paying. To avoid an unpleasant surprise, consider asking the seller if you could review some of their recent bills in order to help you determine what living in the home will actually cost.
  5. How old is the roof? Replacing a roof is one of the most expensive repairs you may have to make as a homeowner: a 2015 report from the National Association of Realtors estimated that the median national cost of replacing an asphalt roof is $7,600. If you are interested in a home, determining when this important component was last replaced could help you plan your budget—and whether you truly want to make an offer on the home at all.
REAL.jpg If you are currently working with another Broker please do not consider this a solicitation. EHO.jpg

Occupied Staging – What is it??

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What in the world is ‘OCCUPIED STAGING’,

and

why should a seller consider it?

 

Provided by

Katherine Frazier, Owner of Decorating Delight

 

The seller’s home is lovely to them as it is filled with their keepsakes, family photos, children’s treasures, Dad’s favorite lounge chair, Mom’s sewing room complete with floral drapes.

And there lies the problem…. the house is occupied with one families’ treasures, and prospective buyers simply can’t picture their family in the home.  Enter a Stager who is experienced in neutralizing spaces by pre-packing the family photos and treasures, even removing Dad’s favorite lounge chair to open up the room, turning Mom’s sewing room back into the 4th bedroom, and replacing the floral drapes with updated ones.

The house is now viewed by prospective buyers as a neutral space, without clutter and the seller’s personal items, and they can visualize themselves living in this lovely home.  And the best part of staging an occupied house, is that statistics show occupied staged homes sell faster than non-staged homes and at an increase in price of 1% to 3%!  Staging works!

BEFORE & AFTER

Where Transactions Become Relationships