As they say, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. And when it comes to your home, failing to address maintenance issues and small repairs can seriously impact your ability to sell it a timely manner.

Before putting up that “For Sale” sign, make sure you’ve repaired the following in your home:

• Faded paint

  Your exterior walls are one of the first thing prospective buyers will see of your home. Luckily, a quick paint job makes your house look like new in no time. Use a hue that complements your roof, or one that fits the color palette of surrounding houses. Generally speaking, neutral tones like white, cream, or gray work best.

• A leaky roof

  A leaky roof can cause all sorts of headaches for buyers, including mold growth, fire hazards, and even risk for electrocution. Since basic home inspection covers the condition of the roof, a potential home buyer can void their purchase contract and get back their earnest money when they receive the inspection report. Hence, have your roof inspected or repaired before putting your house up for sale. If it’s nearing the end of its useful life, it might be a good time to replace it.

• HVAC woes

  Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a home’s electric bill. And an outdated or malfunctioning HVAC system can consume even more energy— and cost homeowners more. The condition of your HVAC will come to light when a buyer orders a home inspection. Don’t wait for this to happen. Order an inspection yourself. If the system is outdated but remains safe and functioning, learn about replacement costs and other options that may impact the sale of your home.

• An outdated kitchen

  A modern kitchen is one of the most sought after features that home buyers are looking for. Take the time to repair malfunctioning garbage disposal units, leaky faucets, and dripping water pipes. If you have money to spare, install energy-efficient appliances. Replace small-tiled flooring with large square tiles because it has less grout lines and looks up to date. Build a large kitchen island, which has been said to be the “ultimate feature of a modern kitchen.”

• An outdated bathroom

  An updated bathroom usually impacts the resale value of your home. Take this opportunity to fix leaks, regrout tiles, achieve a sleeker look by replacing mirrors, towel racks, drawer pulls, faucets, and lighting to new sleeker models.

• Drainage issues

  When your house has poor drainage, water pools near your home instead of being channeled away from it. Over time, this pooled water can damage your home’s foundation. Cleaning and patching up your downspouts and gutters often solves the problem. In some cases, though, you may need to hire professionals to grade or slope the land surrounding your home.

• Plumbing problems

  If your water bill is exorbitantly high, the problem might be leaky water pipes. Plumbing problems can also cause inconveniences such as low or intermittent water flow. Furthermore, leaky pipes facilitate the growth and proliferation of health-threatening molds.

• Neglected hardwood floors

  Nothing adds elegance to a room quite like a hardwood floor. When its sheen fades, however, it can become more of a liability than an asset. Luckily, you can have it refinished for a fairly modest price and restore its former beauty.

Fixing up your house before selling it is all about putting your best foot forward. By focusing on the repairs that matter the most, you can save time and get more bang for your buck.

Our team at Garrett Bell are ready to help clients stage houses for sales in Brevard County, FL. To know more, call (321) 537-6697 or email [mail_to email=”[email protected]”][email protected][/mail_to].



The earnest money deposit is an important part of the real estate transaction, and here’s what you need to know about it.

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Today I’ll cover the topic of earnest money deposits by answering a few of the most common questions regarding them.

First, what is an earnest money deposit?

An earnest money deposit is a good-faith deposit that a buyer puts down on a home to show the seller that they’re a serious, committed buyer.

How much do you put down in an earnest money deposit?

This amount is usually negotiated between the buyer and seller, so it can vary. As a general rule of thumb, though, it will usually be between 1% and 2% of the purchase price. The deposit itself goes toward the down payment of the home, and it’s generally held by the title company that’s performing the closing, although it can also be held by the brokerage.

The date that the deposit is delivered is also negotiated between the buyer and seller. In some cases, it will accompany the offer, but the standard real estate contract requires it to be due within three days of the executed contract, or the time that both the buyer and seller sign the contract.

“The earnest money deposit will usually be between 1% and 2% of the purchase price.”

Can you get your earnest money deposit back if something goes wrong?

It depends on the situation and how your contract is written. There will likely be a couple contingencies with the purchase: the inspection contingency and the financing contingency. If something goes wrong during the home inspection or you find something you don’t like, you have the right to take your full earnest money deposit back as long as you do so within the time period originally agreed upon.

It’s important that you work with an agent who can walk you through all the contingencies and let you know where you’re at in the process so you know that your earnest money deposit is never at risk.

If you have any questions about this topic or you have any other real estate needs, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I’d be happy to help you.

Looking to purchase a condo in the Melbourne, Florida area? Don’t forget to ask these crucial questions first before making an offer:

• How’s your credit score?

  Like any big-ticket purchase, let alone a house, you want to make sure financials are in order when investing in condos in Melbourne, FL. For starters, make sure your credit score is above 700 to get the best mortgage rates possible. Moreover, your mortgage and other home expenses should ideally not exceed 28% of your income. Likewise, make sure your total budget includes important but oft-forgotten expenses like closing costs.

• How well-funded is the condo association?

  Condo associations make sure that the building is properly operated and maintained, but they can only do so if they have enough funds. Ask for a copy of the association’s budget and financial statements to assess its health.

  When the association is well funded, incidental expenses such as emergency repairs are taken from the budget—not charged to residents.

• Who manages the property?

  Some condos are self-managed, meaning the association and its officers handle the day-to-day upkeep of the building. Oftentimes, however, management is sub-contracted to outside property managers. If so, check out the credentials of the company that runs the condo. Do they specialize in condo building management? Do they have a good track record? Remember: poor management can drive down the value of any property.

• What is the building like?

  Some condos are midrise and have only a few floors; this means fewer residents per floor, but also often translates to higher price tags. Other buildings are skyscraper tall, which maximizes lot size for greater savings. That said, this means more neighbors and longer elevator rides.

• How much do you need to pay for insurance?

  All homes need to be insured, but there are certain unique factors that determine a condo’s insurance premium. For instance, mortgage lenders often require a flood insurance rider for beachside properties. Older buildings that don’t meet wind mitigation guidelines might be more expensive to insure. Before purchasing, make sure to go over this detail with your real estate agent.

• Have you read the condo rules?

  Some condos allow pets; others do not. Others allow extensive renovation work; others won’t even let you take down a wall. Ask for a copy of the condo rules and peruse it carefully. By law, you are given 15 days to review the documents if buying a brand new unit, and three days when buying an existing one. If you aren’t happy with any of the stipulations, look elsewhere.

• Are you happy with the amenities?

  Many condos are built to support certain lifestyles, with its amenities following suit. You’ll be paying for these amenities through association dues, so make sure they fit your needs. At the very least, look for features such as swimming pools, function halls, gyms, and the like.

  With great views, access to the beach, and proximity to all of life’s daily conveniences, a condo unit in Melbourne, FL is a wise investment. Just make sure to review each option carefully so you end up with the best possible property that suits your needs.

Need help looking for a condo in the area? The Garrett Bell Team is here to help you fulfill all of your real estate goals in this picture-perfect paradise. Call (321) 537-6697 or e-mail [mail_to email=”[email protected]”][email protected][/mail_to], and let our team assist you in finding your dream condo.

Watch rocket launches from the observation deck of Port Canaveral’s Exploration Tower

Who said you had to break the bank to have a good time? The residents of Brevard County, FL, will attest to the many enjoyable things the county offers that cost little to no money.

Here’s a weekend adventure guide tailor made for modest budgets:

1. Go skating

   Skating is a pastime beloved by parents and kids alike. In Brevard County, there are at least three skating venues to choose from: Galaxy Skateway and Funtown in Melbourne, and Space Coast IcePlex in Rockledge. All offer skating lessons for a minimal fee. Check out their special rates during specific hours.

2. Explore nature

   Leave your smartphones and tablets behind. Explore the majesty of Turkey Creek Sanctuary Park instead. The 133-acre sanctuary is home to many plants and animals, and entrance is absolutely free. Highlights include a 4,000-foot-long boardwalk, a gazebo, picnic areas, and a jogging trail. There are also nine biking trails, and the educational Margaret Hames Nature Center.

3. Unleash your inner astronaut

   If your kids are fascinated by astronomy, they’ll love the Space Walk of Fame Museum. Here you’ll find personal effects donated by astronauts themselves, as well as educational exhibits detailing the history of America’s space program. To inspire the country’s future space explorers, the museum also holds weekend workshops that help kids explore a career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

4. Play an interesting round of golf

   Golf-N-Gator promises just what its name says. The two mini golf courses weave through tropical landscaping, complete with streams, waterfalls, and a giant pond with live alligators. You can also hold the smaller gators and feed the adult ones. The place is home to various birds, lizards, snakes, and a tortoise.

5. Enjoy a day at the beach

   Unwinding at Paradise Beach & Park is one of the simple joys of living in Brevard County. There, you can swim, fish, go boating, and hop on a Jet Ski. The 12.39-acre beach also has volleyball courts, picnic amenities, and dune crossovers, giving you more opportunities to have fun under the sun.

6. Experience Port Canaveral like never before

   Want to see something unforgettable? Head over to the state-of-the-art Exploration Tower, where you can watch rocket launches from the seventh-floor observation deck. Each floor also holds interactive exhibits that explores the port’s rich history. In the evening, the place is transformed into a nightlife hotspot, with live DJs and bands playing at the nearby beach.

7. Watch a live performance

   Feed your soul and your senses at King Center for the Performing Arts. The venue can seat some 2,000 guests, and holds musical performances throughout the year. Check out the gallery, too, which features a different exhibit each month.

For a fun but budget-friendly time in Brevard County, all you need is good company and a little knowledge of the area. For the latest information on this booming real estate market and houses for sale in Brevard County Florida, call 321.537.6697 or email [mail_to email=”[email protected]”][email protected][/mail_to].