Articles Tagged "Moving Tips"

Florida has long been known as one of the greatest places to retire. Our real estate agents note that two of our local communities, Fort Myers and Naples, were named among the Top 5 Places to Retire earlier this year.

There are many reasons retirees love the Sunshine State. Florida is tax-friendly, especially for seniors who own a home. It features some of the best golf and fishing anywhere in the United States, and the healthcare is excellent.

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Selling your home during the spring is a great way to reach the maximum number of potential buyers, but it also means that you'll be competing with more local listings than during any other season. Our REALTORS® see this trend in action every spring, as buyers shake off the winter chill and sellers kick their home prep into high gear to make sure that their listing stands out from the pack. Make your home a standout with these tips.

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Over the last year, people all over the country have been searching for homes in communities that better fit their lifestyles, goals, and financial plans. Of course, certain communities have proven more popular than others for people looking to relocate, and by many measures, Fort Myers ranks at the top of the list. Fort Myers recently ranked as the most popular affordable city that people want to live in right now. Wondering why Fort Myers tops the list? Our real estate agents have all the details on why you'll love finding your next home in the Fort Myers area.

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You've found your dream property among Naples homes for sale, closed the deal, and now it's time to turn your new house into a home. No matter how well the previous owners have cleaned it, doing your deep cleaning is key to settling in comfortably. Our real estate agents have put together a checklist to help you clean every room with confidence.

          Start at the Top and Work Your Way Down

• While floors will need a good cleaning, we're guessing you'd rather not clean them twice. So it helps to clean the high places in each room first since some dust and debris from cleaning will inevitably reach the floor.

• Remove dust from ceiling fans, debris from light fixtures, and cobwebs from ceiling corners. A vacuum attachment with a long reach is excellent for cleaning hard-to-reach places and keeps some debris from reaching the floor.

• Closets throughout the home will likely need cleaning as well, and the same principle applies. Start with the shelves and storage spaces at the top, then work your way down.
  
  Clean the Fridge and Disinfect the Kitchen

• When deep cleaning your new home, it's helpful to start with spots that you'll need to use right away so that you can begin to settle in while you finish cleaning.

• Give the refrigerator a thorough cleaning, disinfect all kitchen surfaces, and clean kitchen appliances. Before you clean the fridge, unplug it and allow it to warm to room temperature to make it easier to clean.

• A 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar works great for removing stubborn gunk from the fridge and other kitchen surfaces. When cleaning the refrigerator, removing shelving makes it easier to clean every surface.

• The oven may require a dedicated oven cleaner, but a homemade paste of baking soda and water can also work well for removing tough messes. Allow the paste to sit on the mess for a few minutes, then give it a thorough cleaning.
  
  Tackle Bathrooms Early in the Cleaning Process

• Cleaning bathrooms – or at least one master bathroom – should be at the top of the priority list, along with the kitchen. Dish soap and water work great for the initial cleaning, then you can switch to a disinfectant.

• Be sure to disinfect all surfaces in the bathroom, and pay special attention to any surface that is touched regularly. This includes faucets, fixtures, handles, and even the toilet paper holder.

• Rather than clean the toilet seat, simply replace old toilet seats with new ones. The cost is minimal, and it's the more sanitary way to go.
  
  Finish By Cleaning the Floors

• For wood and faux-wood floors, start by sweeping the surface thoroughly, including around vents and under furniture. A mild soap and water solution works well for cleaning these surfaces. You can also use a wood polish or appropriate cleaner for the type of wood your floors feature.

• Steam-cleaning is the key to refreshing old carpets and removing old messes, especially if the previous owner had pets. You can hire a professional cleaner or rent a steam cleaner for the day to handle the job DIY.

• For tile floors, a mop, bucket, and cleaning solution appropriate for your type of tile are all you'll typically need. Make sure to clean under appliances and cabinets, in addition to the visible areas of the floor.

Looking for a home in the Naples area that'll have you counting down the days until you can move in? We're here to help you find your next property on the Paradise Coast. Contact us to buy and sell real estate throughout the Naples, FL area.