~~~ EAGER FSBO SELLERS ~~~ ..................SURPRISE!!!................ THIS ARTICLE IS JUST FOR YOU

Hi FSBO Sellers....I am a Listing Realtor with Coldwell Banker Paradise in Sebastian, Florida. One of my Target Markets is you; the FOR SALE BY OWNER sellers. Admittedly, you FSBO sellers are a tough crowd to convert. I have provided you with short list of My Selling Tips…I hope it is helpful. ~~~~~ I only LIST single family homes so keep that in mind.....if you are selling a condo the list might be different. ~~~~~ 1.) First Recommendation, hire a strong LISTING REALTOR; for those eager to take on the selling challenge; continue reading. ~ 2.) Expect “Surprises”....They happen! ~ 3.) Live in an Association? Get signage requirements and permission to install a sign. A sign gets the message out to neighbors and drive bys. When checking with the association get a set of CURRENT docs. Learn the application process. Know the rules and regulations. Have contact info for the association. ~ 4.) Order Professional Signs. Leave the fill in the blank signs in aisle 12 at the DYI stores. 5.) Photos tell a Story…Hire a pro. 6.) Mulch, weed, mow and add color to the landscaping. 7.) Remove Personal Items. The goal is to make this home someone else’s. 8.) Valuables should be in a safe place. 9.) Everything should Look Perfect. Beds should look sharp, counters should be clean and cleared. HINT, a toaster oven isn't a selling feature. Bath towels should be new. Toilet seats down. 10.) Empty your septic if you have one.....Most every home does in Sebastian, Florida 11.) "Casual Housekeeping" hurts YOUR bottom line! Tidy up! 12.) Have Pets; have a place for them to go while showing. 13.) Be Easy to Reach. Answer calls, textes and e-mails. Return messages promptly. 14.) Show in a Timely Manner. Two hours is a good window. Have all lights on, a/c low and play music. 15.) Know Answers about Insurance, Schools and Flood Zones. "What are the taxes?", is a top question. Your taxes will not be their taxes. 16.) Qualify Buyers; Show to buyers who are pre-approved. 17.) Understand Home Loans. Does the home qualify for VA/FHA loans, will it appraise or pass a home inspection? Form a relationship with a mortgage lender. The buyer will have one but have a local lender name handy. 18.) Know your Closing Costs. 19.) Hire a real estate Attorney. 20.) Making Appointments to Show. Don't show alone. Ask someone to assist you. Take names and numbers prior to showing. Give them to a third party. Have that person check in during showings. Have an emergency code word. Real Estate companies keep extensive records; so should you. Only show with an appointment. If they knock on the door wanting to see the home right away have and excuse ready. Make an appointment later in the day. 21.) Think Safety! 22.) Check your Permits and make sure they are closed. 23.) Open Houses should not be done alone, for safety, but you will have several potential buyers come in at once. You want to accommodate everyone. 24.) Have a List of the Highlights for Buyers…include lots of COLOR photos. Buyers view many homes. Photos refresh their memory. 25.) Answer Questions Honestly. If your association has any limitations like vehicles, pets or age disclose that upfront….you don't want to learn at closing your buyer has a Harley and the community prohibits motorcycles. You may not close. SURPRISE!!! 26.) There is so much more you should know like timelines, advertising, pricing, negotiations, appraisals, contracts, contingencies, and repairs and more. That's where the "Big Surprises" hide in plain sight. ~~~~~ This is part of my list. I'm a Realtor, not an attorney. Be wise and pay for legal advice. This is Mary Lou Ciambriello, Realtor and proud member Coldwell Banker Paradise wishing you an uneventful sale without "SURPRISES."

~~~~ VIP Grant Island Estates ~~~~ ~ Call me at 561.305.7139 for info ~ Brevard County ~ The Space Coast ~ TREASURE ISLAND DOES EXSIST

AS PUBLISHED IN THE SUNDAY ADDITION OF THE TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS ~ REAL ESTATE SOURCE ~ INDIAN RIVER COUNTY 8/14/2016

Indian River County and south Brevard County simply amaze me”. I am constantly dazzeled by this amazing place that is my new home. I firmly believe that coming here from Palm Beach County, Delray Beach to be exact, has given me a different perspective. The natives of this beautiful area just see it as home….I see it like a wide eyed child in the most amazing real estate “CANDY” store. The entire area of Indian River County and Brevard County is a cornucopia of ways to live, places call home and things to do…not to mention home the nicest people I have ever met. Lifestyles range from palaces on the beach to working farms in the interior and everything inbetween. If that is not special enough you can live or vacation on an island accessible only by boat. All the homes are on the river or on a canal with access to the river. VIP GRANT ISLAND ESTATES is one of a kind treasure. I recently discovered VIP Grant Island Estates aka VIP Island. I went on business. When I arrived I just wanted grab a fishing pole, sit on a dock swinging my bare feet and pretend to be Becky fishing alongside Huck Finn. Here is the strange part…..I have never enjoyed fishing. VIP GRANT ISLAND ESTATES appeals to a unique audience……This is not a traditional home or vacation retreat. This island paradise is very, very special. Its appeal is romantic and primal; not at all mainstream. You can only reach the island by boat…How cool is that? It is just minutes off the shore from Grant/Valkaria mainland but once you arrive on the island you feel your entire body exhale. The passing of time is slowed and, if you are like me, you are introduced to your childish wonder again. You can bring your laptop and cell phone to work but your office is like no other…explore the island in you flip flops or on a golf cart….there are no cars. Let nature dazzle you. Work on an enviable suntan while renewing your soul by just appreciating your surroundings. There is nothing like a hug from nature to inspire an artist or renew relationships with family and friends….Children will thrive here. Memories with family and friends will be made and cherished for a lifetime. Simplicity reigns; nature is king and the liquid views are both relaxing and renewing. If nature is your first love than the birds, fish, dolphins, trees and river will "sing" to you. If boating and fishing are your passion it does not get any better than VIP Island. It is what the island does not have that will call to you……..less is truly more. In our short three hour stay we met an orchestra conductor from Manhattan and a song writer from Nashville. Not at all surprising…they have been coming here for years to get inspired and renewed. Looking for something different and exciting? Looking for something to inspire and renew you? Looking for something that the entire family will enjoy…you do not have to look too far. You have a true island treasure just up US1 in south Brevard County. Channel the adventurous Huck Finn or Becky in you, or perhaps you are more Ernest Hemingway or Jimmy Buffett and look into investing in VIP GRANT ISLAND ESTATES. This investment will return more than money. The biggest return will be in priceless memories. This is Mary Lou Ciambriello, Realtor with Coldwell Banker wishing you a lifetime of priceless memories with the VIP’S in your life.