As a Southwest Florida real estate agent, I’ve been captivated by the beauty of many of our seaside properties. From luxury condos with a waterfront view to affordable single-family homes a short drive to the shore, our area has so many options.

And because the ocean plays such a unique role in Florida, many residents love to style their homes to bring a little of that inside. Now, when you’re staging a home, you’ve probably heard one big tip: stay neutral, neutral, neutral.

However, a small, regional touch to your property can help connect potential buyers with the property. This is as much true if you’re selling your home or even just having guests over. So, let’s take a look at 2 seaside properties and how they accomplished this task in an attractive way.

Contemporary Meets Classic in San Diego Staging

Okay, I have to be totally honest. This staging in Mission Hills on San Diego Bay is absolutely stunning. When you look through the photos, you’ll see what I mean. The home is an incredible mix of contemporary and classic designs that create a soft, inviting atmosphere that I can’t help but adore. As a 1940s home, the rooms come together with the perfect balance of slightly warm, plenty refreshing, and of course, 100% ocean-inspired.

But let’s talk about the seaside elements, since we highlighted that as a factor at the start of this article. When you tour the home, going from room-to-room, you’ll notice that there are small, well-chosen touches of the ocean. At no point does it become too much or does it break from the larger picture. How is this accomplished without going overboard? A splash of blue contrasts a subtle use of clear glass, a bold seashell art piece compliments the use of marble, and driftwood is incorporated for a unique look in a lamp pair. Love it!

A Gorgeous View of the Sea in Florida

Now, let’s turn to another staging that’s a little more modest, but equally attractive. This home, located in Florida, takes advantage of our wonderful views of the shore. And the first thing that I notice about the property is how it highlights that view. With the long, white curtains framing the way to the balcony, this home draws your eye to the ocean.

But I also like the balanced use of whites and blacks, including that modern rug, to keep the look simple. So, how does the property bring in a touch of the ocean, aside from the view? The pillows are an attractive splash of blue that’s just right, with a pattern that’s organic and natural feeling. And I’m in love with the craftsman-style doors throughout

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

The post Seaside Staging: 2 Houzz Properties with Style appeared first on Terry Records & Jason Nordhougen | Real Estate Investment Coaches & More.

As you can imagine, vacation homes in Southwest Florida are incredibly popular. And every year, people from all over the country (and the world) flock to our sandy shores to spend time. Whether they’re coming for a week or a few months, it’s a good idea to prepare your principal residence before you head off.

Because we live in a very popular vacation area, and I’ve helped so many clients find vacation homes, I’ve picked up a few tips on the subject. Best of all, all of these are fairly simple and easy to check off your list before you embark for our world-class beaches and amenities.

Let a neighbor know you’re leaving

Even if I’m just going away for the weekend, I like to let a neighbor know. This can provide you peace of mind as they keep an eye out on your property.

Schedule your lighting

If you haven’t yet grabbed a cost-effective tool for lighting schedules, I definitely recommend doing so before going on vacation. This way, your home will still look like it’s lived in while you’re away.

Stop the newspaper and mail delivery

On that note, we probably all know this age-old tip. But it always is worth repeating, and you can’t imagine how many times I’ve seen people forget it. You don’t want those papers piling up and signaling your house is empty!

Hire a lawn service

For Southwest Florida property owners, we have many times during the year when grass can grow inches in a week. So, I like to suggest having your lawn service stop by every 2 weeks or so, just to do a trim and touch up the landscaping, so things don’t get overgrown while you’re away.

Take care of your indoor plants

Speaking of plants, you can’t imagine how many people forget their indoor plants before they leave on vacation! If you have a neighbor or a family member stop by once in a while, they can care for your plants; otherwise, another solution will be needed.

Turn up your AC

This is another one that is especially relevant for those of us in Florida and the surrounding states. But it still applies to people throughout the country. Now, I don’t recommend turning off your AC, but merely matching the outside temperature more closely.

Check your garage door lock

We’ve talked about garage door locks previously, and this is one step you shouldn’t skip. The garage is often an entry point for burglars, because it’s less often secured and once they have access, they can easily close the garage door and take their time.

Walk your property

You might be in a hurry to get to that Southwest Florida vacation home but checking over your property ensures you don’t forget anything. From the inside and outside, I do a visual inspection that everything is in its place and as it should be.

There’s probably so many more tips we can talk about, I want to hear from you! What are your best steps for preparing your home before you go on vacation?

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

The post Preparing Your Home Before You Go on Vacation appeared first on Terry Records & Jason Nordhougen | Real Estate Investment Coaches & More.

Earlier in the month, we talked about simple steps you can take to prep for Florida’s hurricane season. With the storm season beginning, there’s plenty of talk about weather already. This is especially true since we saw the first named storm of the season just last week. And while that storm system turned out to be relatively mild, few residents have forgotten last year’s scare from Irma.

Of course, if you’re thinking about buying a property in Southwest Florida, you might have a few concerns on this topic. After all, knowing how to prep for a storm is one thing… understanding Florida’s extreme weather is another. So, today, I wanted to bring a little perspective to the conversation as your source for everything SWFL!

What are the chances of a direct hit?

This is probably one of the biggest questions I get when it comes to Florida weather. After all, if you check the news, you might have a difficult time assessing just how often any one area gets a direct hit. And obviously, those are the events to be more concerned about. Yet, the chances are fairly low, especially once you factor out areas with higher chances in the state. Still, I caution being prepared, but without panic.

What about flood and hurricane insurance?

You might also be surprised to find out that like many areas of the country, Florida has differing flood and storm zones. Now, for Southwest Florida properties, I always recommend getting flood and hurricane insurance, even if it’s optional. However, for each property, you can research how an extreme weather event might affect it.

What can be done to protect my SWFL property?

Since Hurricane Andrew many years ago, the construction industry throughout Florida has changed their approach. Today, you can find homes, even older homes, fitted with storm-proof items that protect the roof, windows, and more. In fact, it’s becoming more and more common to see homes upgrading their windows to impact-resistant ones. There are numerous steps you can take to better safeguard your property.

Do Floridians really wait until the last second to prepare?

Yes! In many cases, you’ll see property owners scramble at the very last possible second to protect what might be their biggest financial asset. But at the same time, a good chunk of residents start planning right as storm season rolls in. And of course, this is what I strongly recommend doing.

How does the community come together in the event of an extreme weather event?

This is a great question! Along with the construction industry, our community and emergency services have also upgraded in recent years. What this means is that after storms like Irma, thousands of electrical workers came from as far away as Montana and Wisconsin to restore power in areas that were affected. Road crews were out so quickly to clear trees that were blocking the highway… in many cases, returning residents never even saw them. It was truly remarkable. And locally, communities come together to help each other and lift each other up in our state, which is something amazing to see.

Are you considering a property in Southwest Florida, but have questions about hurricane insurance or other weather-related factors? I’d be happy to answer them for you!

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

The post Understanding Extreme Weather in Florida appeared first on Terry Records & Jason Nordhougen | Real Estate Investment Coaches & More.

Around this time every year, Floridians from Fort Myers to Pensacola are reminded about one fact of living in this paradise. And that’s that we need to prep for hurricane season. Now, this month, we’ll look at understanding extreme weather in our state, but if you’re thinking about buying a property here, being prepared can make a huge difference.

At the same time, it can also give you a lot of peace of mind. Of course, because the list of storm names for the season has been released, plenty of Floridians are already starting their hurricane preparations. And your source for all things Florida is here to help you do the same, whether you’re a longtime resident or just buying your first property in the state!

Review your flood and hurricane insurance

I can’t stress how important this prepping step is when it comes to hurricane season. Too often, I see homeowners in SWFL neglect this step until the last minute. Don’t put that kind of stress on yourself, and instead, make sure you’re ready ahead of the season.

Learn your flood zones and evacuation routes

Throughout Florida, residents should also be familiar with how their property (or potential property) could be affected. Knowing which flood zone you’re in, as well as the best route to take in an emergency can go a long way.

Know when you’ll leave

On that note, let’s spend a second talking about evacuation. Now, in Southwest Florida, it doesn’t happen often. However, in the path of Irma last season, many residents chose to leave. But as time goes on, gas becomes scarcer as people stock up. So, it’s a good idea to know when you might leave if you decide to do so. On that topic, watching storms as they enter the Gulf is a pastime for many residents.

Check your emergency supplies

Speaking of gas, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to create an emergency supply box. Across the internet, you can find lists of what you should include in yours. But waiting until a storm is nearing can mean difficulty getting items at the store. This is especially true when it comes to bottled water.

Create a list of contacts

Whether we’re talking about your friends and family or government information lines, you need to have your contact numbers quick at hand. It might sound a little “old school,” but just in case we lose power and you can’t charge your phone, you might also want to keep this list on paper. That way, you can even use someone else’s phone in your party without worry of having the numbers you need.

Consider upgrading your home’s hurricane security

Did you know that unsecured garages are often responsible for ruined houses during a hurricane strike? This is because the garage door represents a weak point that can be blown out, allowing high-speed wind to then lift the roof from the home. Think about adding cost-effective features like garage-door locks and reinforcement. And if you can afford them, hurricane windows are often a plus when re-selling a home.

Are you buying a home in Southwest Florida and have a question or two about hurricane season? As a resident and real estate agent in the area, I’d be happy to answer all your questions!

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

The post Prepping for Florida’s Hurricane Season appeared first on Terry Records & Jason Nordhougen | Real Estate Investment Coaches & More.

While Southwest Florida has continued to get more and more diverse, you probably know that it also has a reputation for being a phenomenal place to retire. And for good reason! On the one hand, you only need to look across the country to see prices going through the roof when it comes to properties.

In places like New York or California, it can be nearly impossible to find a home that fits your needs without breaking the bank. And not only that, but you may be missing out on other options that make more sense for retirees. Yet, Southwest Florida has condos that are a superb choice if you’re retiring, and today, we’ll see why that’s the case.

Affordability over a traditional house

Especially in Southwest Florida, condos can be really affordable. Yet, they remain as attractive as a traditional home. This can make the difference in keeping within your budget for your retirement years.

Relaxation and quiet

Because many condo communities are geared toward 55 years old and up, it’s not difficult to find a unit in a quiet spot. This means more relaxation, which many retirees prefer.

Access to world-class amenities

But even if you’re retiring, you probably still want to have plenty to do. And that’s why a local condo might be right for you. With amenities like fishing, golf, and more, you have a ton of options for right there in your own backyard. Many condo communities also have amenities like pools and clubhouses as well.

Community and neighbors

On that note, one reason that people love condos in Southwest Florida is the community. Many have activities and get-togethers where you can connect with other retirees who have chosen our paradise to call “home.”

Security features

If you prefer that extra bit of security for your home as well, you have options with local condos. Some communities have on-site and over-night security. Many also incorporate other features to ensure a safe environment.

Skipping the maintenance

Mowing the lawn, taking care of the hedges, and power-washing the building. These are all included in most condo units, so you don’t have to worry about them the way you would with a traditional home. This frees you up to really take advantage of your retirement years, instead of doing chores.

An attractive investment

When you choose a condo in Southwest Florida, you’re also adding an investment to your family portfolio. With strong growth, properties are continuing to gain value in SWFL, and with a condo, there are several options, from renting to vacation properties. By buying one for retirement, you’re giving your family an asset for their future at the same time.

Location, location, location

You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll say it again: Southwest Florida is a paradise on earth. Some of the best beaches in the world, a growing dining and entertainment scene, and even shopping. Our region offers you an unmatched lifestyle with prices that are in-line with retirement needs.

Are you considering a condo in SWFL? I’d be happy to show you all your options!

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

The post Benefits to Purchasing a Condo in Southwest Florida for Retirement appeared first on Terry Records & Jason Nordhougen | Real Estate Investment Coaches & More.

You might think that it sounds a little funny at first to have a guide to prepping your AC for summer. However, when you own a SWFL home, your best bet is to do a brief checkup on the health of your AC before we get to the hotter months. Now, it’s not because ACs are constantly breaking or that our summers are impossible to get through. However, because we live in a paradise of sunny weather and beautiful beaches, it does make sense to ensure your home is ready for our warm season. And with that in mind… all you’ll need are these steps to ensure your AC is ready.

Turn it on early

Instead of waiting until the weather has already gotten warm, turn on your AC a bit earlier. This gives you a chance to make sure that it’s running correctly. Plus, if there are any issues, you can tackle them before the hot weather arrives.

Replace Your Filter

One of the most overlooked and simple tasks you can do to keep your AC running well is to replace your filter. If you didn’t run yours over the winter, now is a great time to check that filter and replace it.

Conduct a visual inspection

After you’ve let your AC cool your home down, you’ll want to do a visual inspection of the unit. What this means is that you physically go outside and check on the unit. How does it sound? What does it look like while it’s running? Do you notice any issues?

Remove debris in and around the unit

Any branches, leaves, or other debris in or around your unit can cause a lot of problems. If you’re feeling particularly handy, you can remove the fan guard to clean it off. But make sure you’ve turned off the power to the unit first for safety reasons.

Clean the fins

And while you have the unit open, you can also give the fins a quick clean. You don’t have to go crazy or anything, but ensuring they don’t have any build up on them is a good idea.

Check your evaporator drain

While you’re outside, you can also take the opportunity to check your evaporator drain. This is the pipe that funnels water from your drain pan to the outside, but sometimes it can become clogged.

Have an AC repair company’s number on speed dial

During your AC prep, you should also review the company you have on-call for emergencies. You can check in on their online reviews to guarantee they’re still providing quality. And if you don’t yet have someone’s number, now is the time to jot one down.

Schedule a checkup

Finally, you can also schedule a professional to look over your unit. Although this list is a good starting place, getting an AC expert to your Southwest Florida home, just to review your unit, is always recommended.

Are you considering a home in Florida, but have questions about caring for your next home? I’m always happy to answer questions!

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

The post Your Complete Florida AC Prep Guide appeared first on Terry Records & Jason Nordhougen | Real Estate Investment Coaches & More.

Because I’m a Realtor in Southwest Florida, many of my clients may be moving from another part of the country. After all, our state has one of the highest percentages of non-native residents. And it’s not hard to see why: bright, sunny weather nearly the entire year, friendly faces, stunning beaches, and attractive, affordable properties. That’s what Florida is all about.

But, whether you’re moving to Southwest Florida or San Diego, it can often be challenging to connect with your new community. This is especially true if you’re buying a home in a large metropolitan area. So, on that note, I knew I had to put together a few ideas for how you can easily get to know your area and feel like part of the community quickly.

Sign up for MeetUp Groups

If you haven’t had a chance to visit MeetUp.com yet, it’s a site I like to recommend to anyone new to an area. On sites like these, you can find local groups who are interested in exactly what you’re interested in.

Visit local attractions

In Southwest Florida, we have our own fair share of tourist attractions throughout the state. From Disney to the Baily Matthews Shell Museum, there’s plenty to see. Even though numerous tourists visit these places each year, so do residents! And it’s a great, easy way to get introduced to our area.

Get to know the art, entertainment, and dining scenes

From the paintings at the Ringling to local craft beer, Southwest Florida has a growing community around art, entertainment, and dining. And across the country, these cultural resources are the perfect starting place to get to know your community.

Enjoy local parks and outdoor amenities

This one is an excellent way to get to know your area better and connect with your community. Locally we have numerous greenways and blueways to enjoy, from kayaking to biking.

Visit local farmers’ markets

In recent years, many cities throughout the country have welcomed farmers’ markets into their communities. In reality, these are a wonderful connecting point for locals and their area growers, craftsmen, and more.

Check news websites for local events

Most areas also have event pages on their news or media websites. These are an outstanding way to find concerts, happenings, and more. When you attend them, you’ll also get to meet regular people with the same interests as you!

Catch a sports games or two

Of course, local sporting events remains a big way to meet fellow residents. In many areas, people who live in the area might be incredibly passionate about their teams, and you’ll get to taste a bit of that local pride.

Drive around and tour homes

And if you’re still in the market for your next home, I always recommend simply driving around and looking at houses. Through this activity, you get to understand the layout of your area, while just enjoying its ambience.

Are you looking for your next home in Southwest Florida? I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about the area!

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

The post Connecting with Your Local Community appeared first on Terry Records & Jason Nordhougen | Real Estate Investment Coaches & More.

As a real estate expert and investor with decades of experience, I know that prepping a home for sale goes beyond putting out a “for sale” sign. In fact, there are a number of steps you can take to boost your home’s appeal, whether you live in Southwest Florida or Cincinnati. These tips can help shorten the time it takes to sell your home, as well as make for a more enjoyable experience. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that they can also help you command a higher closing price when you’re selling.

Going neutral throughout your home

Although I often advise a splash of color for Southwest Florida homes, even that should be done in moderation and within existing trends. The fact of the matter is that your buyers want to imagine making the property their own. And there’s no easier way to do that than by going with neutral colors, settings, and décor.

Review the state of your appliances

I can speak from experience that homebuyers pay attention to appliances. When it’s time to sell your home, it’s a good idea to take a look at how yours are running or fitting in with the current trends. While a complete kitchen re-do might not be right for your home sale, swapping out a fridge and stove is a cost-effective way to make an impression.

Highlight the positive, downplay the negative

As a homeowner, it can be tempting to think that your property is close to perfect. The reality, however, is that your home has pros and cons that every buyer will consider. How old is the AC? What condition are the windows in? What’s most attractive about the property? These are just a few of the questions that buyers will ask. So, focus on drawing attention to the positive and away from the negative.

Clean, clean, clean

Probably one of the simplest tips I can give you is to clean. And I mean, clean everything very well. It might sound like a small task, but when it comes down to it, buyers pay attention to how clean a home is. This is because, in part, it reflects on how the home has been cared for over time.

Touch up that landscaping

If completely re-doing your landscaping isn’t in the budget, you still have options. Changing out a shrub or two, adding a row of affordable flowers, or even edging all the sidewalks can make a difference. The outside of your home is the first aspect to make an impression, so consider anything that may make it even more appealing.

Take phenomenal photos

The final tip I like to recommend, and it’s too often overlooked, is to take stunning photos. If you can include it in your budget, you can even hire a professional photographer to take and touch up your photos. When you consider how many people use the internet to browse homes, this can make all the difference.

Are you selling your home in Southwest Florida? I’d be happy to offer you my expert advice.

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

The post Prepping for Your Home Sale appeared first on Terry Records & Jason Nordhougen | Real Estate Investment Coaches & More.

For those of you who regularly follow my articles, you know how much I love sharing tips and tricks that go beyond the commonplace. In fact, you’re probably not surprised to find out that I love everything about real estate, from buying and selling to decorating and landscaping.

And one of the biggest aspects of real estate, in Southwest Florida or anywhere, that I consider is the potential of a property. This is because you can often find homes that are considerably marked down in price compared to their neighbors, and all because someone has yet to see the hidden possibilities in that property.

But how do I hone my skills for spotting potential and unlocking it? Although there are a few other tools I use, I enjoy browsing photos of other homes that have been transformed or enhanced. And today, we’re going to browse together to get ideas and see exactly what brings out the potential of 2 Houzz homes.

Rehab of Tropical Real Estate in Southwest Florida

You are going to be totally blown away by this image gallery of a quaint piece of real estate in Southwest Florida. Located in Stuart, Florida, just a few hours from where I am, this home was originally a drab, somewhat boring property. Looking at the images, you might wonder whether this property would even be worth touring.

Yet, once it was rehabbed, you can see that it went from underwhelming to a property that likely would command a significant sum over purchase price. I love that something as simple as a paint job truly made it shine and fit more to the landscape. And the new design elements are right on-point, in addition to the attractive new landscaping. But the outdoor area is a transformation you have to see to believe.

Incredible Mid-Century Modern Rehab

For real estate in Southwest Florida, we have a large diversity of styles when it comes to design. Of course, one style that is trendy right now is the Mid-Century Modern vibe. And for this kitchen overhaul, you’ll find this approach has been captured in a wonderful way. Now, the original kitchen isn’t bad and is even a little quaint. However, the owners saw a bit more potential lurking under that veneer. I like this one particularly for its clean, but natural look. It maintains a sense of warmth that transcends other more sterile modern approaches that rely on white.

Are you looking at real estate in Southwest Florida for investment potential? My team has decades of experience unlocking the potential in overlooked properties. And I’d be happy to answer all your questions.

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

The post Unlocking Your Next Home’s Potential: 2 Houzz Rehabs appeared first on Terry Records & Jason Nordhougen | Real Estate Investment Coaches & More.

When it comes to buying Southwest Florida real estate, people often ask me where the best waterfront property is. But truthfully, with so many choices in our area, you can have your pick. Not only that, but each of them has their own charm, and even their beaches are different. Yet, one fact remains: if you want waterfront property, you can’t beat Southwest Florida. And today, we’re going to see a number of areas that might work for you!

Cape Coral

For Southwest Florida real estate, Cape Coral offers an incredible amount of access to the water. With endless miles of canals, it has been called the Venice of Florida. Many of the neighborhoods also offer affordable real estate as well, especially for boat access.

Captiva Island

On the other end of the waterfront spectrum is Captiva Island. This quaint and quiet island offers real estate primarily in the luxury market. And when you see the views… well, let’s just say that you’ll have some of the best and most pristine beaches in the entire world at your doorstep.

Bradenton Beach

Going back to more cost-effective Southwest Florida real estate with waterfront property, let’s talk about Bradenton Beach. This area isn’t often talked about but has a lovely beach with numerous properties along its shores. But the prices for many properties that are close to the water is reasonable. You’ll find a slower pace in regards to lifestyle here, if that appeals to you.

Charlotte Harbor

But let’s take a look at truly affordable local waterfront property. The price range for the properties in this area is very affordable, and many of the homes have tons of potential. And this area is one that people are starting to talk about more and more. In fact, I’m fielding questions from investors in this area on a more regular basis, and it may be one of those to take a look at for upcoming value.

Burnt Store Marina

And a short jump from Charlotte Harbor, along the same bay, you’ll find Burnt Store Marina. Another area that’s getting increased exposure, this spot is one of my favorites. As a waterfront community, it offers access to the harbor from some of the properties. And it doesn’t hurt that there’s a golf course in your own backyard either!

Fort Myers Beach

Finally, this choice for local property is great for its range of options. Of course, as you can imagine, it has countless properties with views of the water. And for savvy buyers, you can even find cute homes at a value in this area that’s getting more attention recently. What I love about this waterfront community is that the beaches are beautiful, and there’s plenty of places to grab a bite or just have fun.

Are you hunting for your next dream home in Southwest Florida and considering a waterfront community? I’d love to show you all of your options!

Terry Records

Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service

Terry.Records@gmail.com

239-887-2163

The post Waterfront Communities in Southwest Florida appeared first on Terry Records & Jason Nordhougen | Real Estate Investment Coaches & More.