Often times with seasonal farm operations, the early summer is considered the ‘down time.’ Barns empty out after show caravans head home and the two-year-olds have been sold at auction. With breeding season wrapped up and broodmares out to pasture alongside their foals yet to be weaned, it is a time of regeneration and decision making for many horse folks.
Summer is one of the most active times of the year for home and farm sales in Marion County. The perennial rush of closings is due in part to parents preferring to give their children time to readjust between school years.
Whether a seller is migrating to the north country or spending their estival days in the warmth of Central Florida, it is a good time to spruce up the décor to give the living space a refreshing zing. A staged home with bright and cool colors on the tables makes a residence much more inviting.
An entrusted Realtor® will be able to present the home at any time of the year if a few simple steps are taken to keep the home presentable and attractive to prospective buyers.
First and foremost, make sure that the air conditioning is working efficiently. Even if you leave on a summer sojourn, leave the home in tip top shape to be shown at a moment’s notice. Before you leave, change the air or permanent filter. Set the thermostat to 85 degrees and the humidistat at 60 percent to prevent mold and mildew. The realtor can open drapes and make adjustments in temperature just before a showing. Ceiling fans can be kept on low. Keeping the electricity to the water heater off will save dollars. Money is better spent on a cleaning service to keep the home dusted and the barn free of cobwebs.
Before summer, give all the buildings a face lift by pressure washing away the dry season dust, disinfect the barns, and repair and paint fences.
Property maintenance is imperative to yield top dollar in a sale. Routine inspections can head off disaster should a pipe give way or if a branch starts leaning. It is recommended to occasionally run indoor water faucets and to flush toilets to prevent dry drain traps and sewer gas from backing up into the residence. Regular mowing and trimming will keep the farm looking manageable.
When potential buyers arrive on a hot, humid afternoon, imagine the affect that a sparkling clean, cool blue swimming pool will have upon their psyche.
For buyers, there is no better time to get a realistic view of Florida farmland than when rain has greened the fields and overrun takes its natural course to puddle or possibly flood. If a property retains some water, proper irrigation and insect control should be addressed. Retention ponds can be spruced up with Cypress trees, Weeping Willows, and possibly an ornamental bridge. A professional landscaper can budget, install and maintain outdoor spaces for any lifestyle.
A few more tips for remote home owners:
Electrical appliances, stereos and TV cables are best unplugged while the home is vacant. Security systems should be on and companies notified of user permissions and alternate codes. Mail should be picked up or forwarded to a summer address. Plus, keep indoor plants to a minimal. They will need to be watered but they are indeed a nice touch.
REAL ESTATE & MARKETING 