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Waterfront Luxury Home Specialist

239.821.7926
Cathy.Rogers@Sothebysrealty.com

How To Show Show No Estate Tax Liability In Florida

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Did you know that a federal change eliminated Florida’s old estate tax? Indeed! If a person died on or after January 1, 2005, no estate tax is due to Florida. It’s also really easy to show that you have no liability to pay an estate tax. To get the estate tax lien removed, the estate representative only has to fill out one of two forms.

Florida Form DR-312

If the estate is not required to IRS Form 706 or Form 706-NA, choose this form. The personal representative file this form, known formally as the Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due. It’s Florida Form DR-312. Filing a DR-312 will cause the release of the estate tax lien.

Florida Form DR-313

Now, if the estate is a required to file IRS Form 706 or Form 706-NA, file a different Florida form. Instead of the DR-312, file the Florida Form DR-313. It’s also called an Affidavit of No Florida Estate Tax Due When Federal Return is Required. Filing this form will in turn release the estate tax lien by the State of Florida.

Head to see the clerk of the court in the county where the Florida property is located to file either the DR-312 or the DR-313.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

First, check out available Marco Island area properties using this helpful search tool. If it’s easier, you can just call us at 239-821-7926 or get in touch with us online to let us know what you’re looking for. We’re happy to contact you however you prefer. Then, we’ll start searching our databases right away using criteria you specify!

In the meantime, you can also easily explore Marco Island real estate by price:

Also, to stay current on the latest listing and community events, connect with your Marco Island area expert on Facebook or Twitter!

Should You Pay For A Complete Home Inspection?

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Home inspections in Marco Island, Florida.

No one likes the idea of paying hundreds of dollars for a complete home inspection of a home they don’t even own. It seems like a risk, especially for people worried about whether a lender is going to approve the purchase. There’s no way around it though, a complete home inspection is important.

Just because you have a friend who builds houses doesn’t mean he’s qualified to conduct your home inspection. He’s certainly helpful to bring along when you start looking at the house, but inspectors are trained to notice things that other people miss. It’s their job to look for evidence of hidden mold, hidden pests, and hidden plumbing problems.

Plus, a quality inspector can not only find the problems, but let you know their severity too. That way you can make an informed decision before you close on a house.

They will isolate issues with sewer lines or septic fields, landscaping, foundation, insulation, roofing, plumbing, appliances and the electrical system. It’s worth the extra money to get a quality home inspection. Just $400-$500 now might end up saving you several thousands down the road, even if you choose to purchase the house. Knowing about existing problems early can be helpful at avoiding secondary issues.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

Call us at 239-821-7926 or get in touch with us online to let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll start searching right away. In the meantime, please explore our:

Spring Is Real Estate’s ‘Rush Hour’ — Here’s How to Tell If You’re Prepared

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Spring Is Real Estate's 'Rush Hour' -- Here's How to Tell If You're PreparedThe most popular time of year to buy a home is in the spring, and this means that if you’re preparing yourself for getting into the real estate market, you may be experiencing a time crunch. If you’re wondering if you’ll be ready to put your home up for sale in time to take advantage of the season, here are few things you’ll want to think about.

Have You Cleaned Up And De-cluttered?

Spring is not only an optimal time to put your home up for sale, it’s also an ideal time for spring-cleaning! Instead of leaving all of the de-cluttering and clearing away to the time when you know you’ll be moving, get prepared by going through your stuff and discarding anything that you don’t want to move. This will not only make the packing up procedure more streamlined, it will also make the basic cleaning duties like vacuuming a dusting a little easier to carry out.

Are You Prepared To Move?

A home can sit on the market for a few weeks or months, and it can also sell on the first day, so you’ll want to have a game plan for moving beforehand. If you don’t yet have a place to stay, determine a plan for yourself and your family so that you can start looking for a home to invest in or at least rental property. You don’t want to lose out on a good offer by not being prepared, so make sure you know where you’re going before getting into the market.

Do You Know The Market Conditions?

Spring is certainly the most popular time to buy, but if your home isn’t priced right for the conditions of the market, it may linger longer than you’d expect. If you’re selling on your own, you may want to take a look at the MLS listings to determine what similar homes in similar areas are selling for. It can also be a great idea to utilize the services of a local real estate agent who will have background knowledge of the market and be able to do the tough negotiating for you.

With spring being the best time to sell, it’s important to de-clutter your house ahead of time and be aware of the market conditions you’ll be dealing with. If you’re about to put your home up for sale, contact your trusted real estate professionals for more information.

3 Ways That Buying or Selling a Luxury Home Is Different

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3 Ways That Buying or Selling a Luxury Home Is Different From a Regular OneSelling a standard home is fraught with enough concerns about marking it at the right price and staging it properly, but it’s an entirely different ball game when it comes to luxury property. If you’re planning on selling your high-end property and are trying to determine what sets it apart from the average home sale, here are some things to consider before putting it on the market.

The Price Must Be Reasonable

It’s important for the asking price on any home to show an awareness of market conditions, but when it comes to luxury, it becomes even more important. Most luxury homes are going to sit on the market for a longer period of time than a less expensive home because there are fewer potential buyers. In order to facilitate a successful sale, it’s necessary for the asking price to be competitive and in line with the amenities provided so that buyers won’t flock to other opportunities.

Use The Right Marketing Tools

With so many available methods to sell a home nowadays, it’s never been easier to get the word out that you’re selling your home. However, if the asking price is higher it’s imperative that the property is displayed in the right light. When it comes to a luxury property it’s worth having an agent who knows the market and the neighborhood well. They will be able to display your home at its most ideal by creating a website with enticing photography and details to showcase all of your home’s best attributes.

What Are The Market Conditions?

It’s difficult to time the market, but when it comes to the impact economic times can have on a luxury home sale, it’s even more important to be aware of prices. Not only will you want to be aware of the amenities your home has and how much more desirable they’ll be at certain times of the year, you’ll also want to be sure that the market is on an upswing. A market that is on the rise can make a significant difference on the offers you’ll get.

There are many factors involved in putting your home on the market, but when it comes to luxury real estate it’s important to time the market and ensure your asking price is spot on. If you’re currently preparing to put your luxury home on the market, you may want to contact one of our real estate professionals for more information.

Six Reasons Why You’ll Need a Licensed Real Estate Agent When You Buy or Sell a House

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Six Reasons Why You'll Need a Licensed Real Estate Agent When You Buy or Sell a HouseAre you in the market to buy or sell a home? If so, you may be wondering whether to work with a real estate agent or not. While saving on the commission might sound tempting, it can cost you later.

Here are six reasons to choose a real estate agent the next time you buy or sell a home.

#1: Agents Get The Best Price

If you’re trying to buy or sell on your own, it’s going to cost you. When buying, real estate agents are able to tap into market data to know the best price to bid. When selling, they can use this same data to ensure you ask for the highest reasonable price.

#2: Agents Know The Market

Is now the best time to buy or sell? You might not be sure, but a real estate agent will know. They have daily access to local market trends that outsiders can’t see. And since they’re working in your market each day, they can get a sense for what’s coming.

#3: Agents Know How To Negotiate

Are you a strong negotiator? If not, you’ll want to let your real estate agent take care of the negotiations. Remember, the other party in the transaction is likely to have an agent. So, without one of your own, you’ll be up against a skilled negotiator with no backup.

#4: Agents Have The Time And You Don’t

Let’s face it: you’re busy. Unless you’re going to take a vacation to deal with your real estate transaction, you don’t have the time. Real estate agents spend all their time working on their client properties. They make the time to handle inspections, negotiations and other activities.

#5: Agents Know What To Look For

If you’re buying or selling for the first time, you’ll definitely want to contract an agent. They know how to spot deficiencies in the house or property. Their experience allows them to see problems that you might not spot on your own. And they’ll know what needs to be fixed and what can wait until later.

#6: Agents Can Deal With The Paperwork

Do you love dealing with contracts, legal forms and other paperwork? If not, this might be reason enough to work with a real estate agent. They will take care of all the necessary paperwork for your purchase or sale. And if you’ve ever participated in a real estate transaction before, you know there’s a LOT to deal with. Leave this to your agent so you can focus on more fun activities.

The above are just six of the (many) reasons to work with a real estate professional. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, contact your local trusted real estate professional today.

How to Gain the Upper Hand in Real Estate Negotiations Without Being Mean or Rude

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How to Gain the Upper Hand in Real Estate Negotiations Without Being Mean or Rude In a typical real estate transaction, numerous factors may be negotiated, and the terms of the purchase may be negotiated at different times throughout the process. For example, the contract may be negotiated at the time the original offer is made, but revisions to the contract may be negotiated after the property inspection has been completed. Both parties want to have the upper hand in negotiations, but those who focus on a few points are more likely to walk away feeling satisfied with the results of the negotiations.

Research All Factors Related To The Negotiation

A successful negotiation may be about achieving specific, desired goals, but in most cases, there will be a bit of give and take on both parties’ parts in order to find success. Those who have the upper hand in real estate negotiations will take time to research all factors related to the negotiations, and this includes everything from market conditions and how long the property has been on the market to how competitively priced the real estate is, how many other buyers there are and more.

Understand All Motives And Influences

Beyond outside factors related to the negotiation, there typically are personal motives and influences that must be considered. For example, a seller may be motivated to sell quickly due to a job offer in another city, or a buyer may be motivated because the property is the only one of its kind close to a great school. Real estate agents can often provide information about motives and influences that may impact the negotiations and that may reveal who has the upper hand in negotiations.

Consider Alternative Creative Solutions

After all external and personal factors have been researched and itemized, it may appear that one party has a clear upper hand in negotiations and the other party does not. However, in order to be successful in negotiations, typically both parties will need to feel as though they are getting what they want. After all parties’ motivations have been identified, it may be possible to think of creative, outside-the-box alternatives that may be agreeable to both parties.

When a buyer or a seller is preparing to negotiate with the other party, it is important that they fully understand all of the factors that may be at play in determining the outcome of negotiations. When buyers and sellers focus on these points before making an offer or counteroffer, they may find their negotiation efforts more successful. Contact your trusted real estate agent for more information.

3 Things You Must Do after Inheriting a Home

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3 Things You Must Do after Inheriting a HomeThere can be a lot of excitement when it comes to the realization that you’ve inherited a home, but simply because it’s an inheritance doesn’t mean there aren’t a few strings attached. Whether you’re expecting to be gifted with a home in the future or you’re currently going through this process, here are a few things you may need to watch out for.

The State Of The Mortgage

Once a home has been effectively handed over to you, it’s important to determine the status of the mortgage with the lender and if anything is still owed. While you have the option of taking over the mortgage in a lot of cases, in the event that there’s a reversible mortgage or you’re choosing to rent it out as a second property, you may not be able to transfer the mortgage. While this can often be a rather seamless process, if money is owed there can be other factors to consider.

Determine If You Want It

If you already have a first home and don’t want to take care of your second property as a rental unit, it’s important to realize that keeping the home may not be the best decision for you. While you have the option of organizing a short sale if you’d like to get it off of your hands, you can also contact a real estate agent who will be able to provide you with advice on how to proceed if you’re unwilling (or unable) to take control of the property.

Is It In Good Condition?

Whether you want to keep the home or not, there can be cases where it’s not even a question if it’s a home that you’re going to end up investing money into without much return. In the situation that a lot of money is owed on the house or there are serious issues with its general condition, you may want to release yourself from the inheritance and move on with your financial situation still intact.

There can be an instant feeling of acquired wealth in the event that you’ve inherited a home, but a home in bad condition or that you don’t want to take care of can end up being more of a headache than anything else. If you’re currently considering your options when it comes to a home inheritance, contact your local real estate professional for more information.

How to Find Your Dream Home on Marco Island

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how to find your dream home on Marco Island - Marco Island Homes for SaLE

If you’re like most people who have visited Marco Island, you never want to leave – and the good news is that you don’t have to. There are dozens of fabulous Marco Island homes for sale, and it’s just a matter of finding the one that matches your style, personality and budget.

How to Find Your Dream Home on Marco Island

It’s easy to think in abstract terms when you’re envisioning your dream home on Marco Island, but if you’re serious about finding it, you’ll need to get a little more specific.

Ask yourself:

  • How many square feet do I want? The term “big” is very subjective – and some people want a “big” 2,500-square-foot home, while others mean they want 5,000 square feet with six bedrooms and four bathrooms.
  • What are my must-haves? If you’d much rather have a water-direct home than a water-indirect home, it’s no problem. Prefer to live on a golf course or on the beach? As long as you know what you want, we can zero in on homes that meet your needs.
  • What’s your style? Whether you’d like a one-story home or it’s always been your goal to live at the top of a towering condominium building overlooking the water, it’s all possible on Marco Island.
  • How important is “walkability,” and would you be happier living in an established community or a newer one? Because Marco Island’s housing market is so diverse, we truly have something for everyone.

Are You Moving to Marco Island?

If you’re moving to Marco Island, know that we have several distinct areas – each with its own amenities. Feel free to explore our real estate listings in:

No matter where you’d like to live, we can help.

Call us at 239.821.7926 or contact us online to tell us what your dream home looks like. We know every community on the island, and we’ll be able to help you find the perfect place to live.

Expert Home Staging Tips You Can’t Afford Not to Try

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Home Staging Tips from the Pros - Sell a Home Marco Island

As a seller, your REALTOR®(R) has already discussed with you the importance of staging your home. You’ve already had your agent compile a comparative market analysis, and you know that most buyers start their searches online.

But short of hiring a professional home stager, what can you do to ensure that your house appeals to a broad spectrum of potential buyers?

Expert Home Staging Tips You Can Do Yourself

If it’s not too difficult, you might consider renting a storage unit to stash away some of your excess furniture. Remember, you want buyers to envision themselves living in your home — but that can be tough if each room is filled to the brim with furnishings.

Rearranging Furniture

Even if you don’t rent a storage unit, moving your furniture away from the walls can actually make your rooms look larger. It seems counterintuitive, but according to celebrity designer Angelo Surmelis, it’s true.

“Placing a couch even a few inches away from the wall will create a little breathing room and make a space seem larger,” says Surmelis.

Paint or Stain Where Appropriate

You can use paint on dated tile or stain outdated cabinets instead of replacing them, according to HGTV’s Lisa LaPorta.

“Add some stylish hardware and your kitchen will have the up-to-date look that buyers love, for less than $200,” says LaPorta.

Refresh Your Outdoor Spaces

Buyers love outdoor living space, but a worn deck, brick path or cracked driveway can stop a sale in its tracks.

You can re-stain a deck, roll a fresh coat of paint over brick walkways (spray water on it before it dries to give it an authentic outdoor look), and use concrete filler to refresh your outdoor spaces in one afternoon.

Are You Selling a Marco Island Home?

If you’re selling your home on Marco Island, we can help you get it in front of the right buyers.

Call us at 239.821.7926 or get in touch with us online to find out how we’ll market your home using cutting-edge technology and innovative ideas. We’d love to help you sell your Marco Island home quickly and at the right price.

From Big to Small: How to Downsize from a Large House to a Smaller, More Efficient Home

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From Big to Small: How to Downsize from a Large House to a Smaller, More Efficient HomeIf you’re moving from a large home into a smaller house or condo, you’re probably looking forward to enjoying a lower utility bill and not having to do as much cleaning. But before you move, you’ll want to take certain precautions to ensure that you’re not overwhelmed.

A smaller home won’t have as much room for your belongings, which means you may need to get creative. Here’s how you can downsize without losing your mind.

Decide What You’re Going To Keep

Before you do anything else, choose which of your belongings are coming with you. Unless you’ve habitually been getting rid of things you no longer need over the years, chances are you have a large stash of things you’ll never use again. That’s the kind of clutter you’ll need to eliminate before moving into a smaller home.

The obvious exceptions would be anything of significant sentimental or monetary value, but you’ll want to get rid of lots of your everyday objects – for instance, there’s no reason why you need three soup ladles. Having trouble deciding what to throw out? Here’s a simple rule of thumb: If you can’t remember the last time you used it, you probably don’t need it.

Have Anything In Storage? Find A Storage Solution Now

Most homeowners nowadays have the luxury of large storage spaces like basements or attics – but if you’re moving into a condo or a small starter home, storage will be at a premium. And that means anything stored in your basement, garage, or attic will probably need to find a new home. You’ll want to look for a storage solution earlier rather than later.

Perhaps you could rent a storage locker in your neighborhood, or let children or relatives hold onto your belongings until you decide what to do with them.

On Your Moving Day: Move Large Items First, And Put Away Stored Items Before Anything Else

When the day comes for you to move into your new home, you’ll want to try to find the best configuration for the space right away – before your new home is filled with boxes stacked six feet high. Before you do anything else, move your furniture and other large items into the space first, and get them set up so they’re out of the way.

Once all of your boxes are in your new home, put storage items away before anything else – it’ll help you avoid unnecessary stress and sorting later.

Downsizing can be stressful, but with a solid plan and a great real estate agent, you can find a smaller home and move in without issues. Call your trusted real estate professional for more great tips on streamlining the moving process.

Contact Cathy


239.821.7926
Cathy.Rogers@Sothebysrealty.com