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    Relocation, you say? How we can help streamline your next move!

    January 20, 2023
    / Relocation /
    Rochester, NY at Sunset

    Ever since the pandemic, relocation seems to be on the forefront of people’s minds. With many companies and organizations allowing “work-from-home” and “remote” options, places that were once an unattainable dream in which to live, have suddenly become hotter than ever!

    As a licensed Realtor in two states – New York and South Carolina – my team and I work with many folks who are coming into or out of our areas very frequently. In fact, relocation makes up at least 60% of our business overall!

    One of the biggest questions we get regarding relocation concerns logistics and how to begin the process. Our #1 answer is this: Before you do anything, contact an experienced Realtor who can advise you!

    As Realtors, we can start by giving you an assessment of what your current home is worth, that way you might have a better idea of what you want to spend in the market in which you are headed.

    Let us help you find the best service providers for your relocation

    We can also give you advice on how to prep that home for sale. Our team provides a list of companies who can assist you with preparing to make a move. We have trusted resources who can ORGANIZE/DECLUTTER, STAGERS, MOVERS, PACKERS, PAINTERS, GARDENERS, FLOORING CONTRACTORS, HANDYMAN SERVICES, HVAC COMPANIES, EVEN PEOPLE WHO WILL HELP SELL YOUR ITEMS ON FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE TOO…PLUS many, many more! Our list is comprised of contractors that we or our clients have personally used for services so you can rest assured that they are true professionals!

    We can connect you with a top-notch Realtor in the market where you are headed!

    Once we make a plan with you for your current home, we can help connect you with one of our colleagues in the market that you are headed. As part of the RE/MAX International brand, we have connections across the US and all around the world. Let us vet your next Realtor to make sure that they will be the perfect fit for you and that your goals are aligned. We will work in tandem with that agent to ensure a smooth transition from our market to theirs in order to make the process as seamless as possible for you.

    As someone who has relocated cross country myself, I understand how many things need to fall into place. Let us guide you in your next move either into or out of Rochester, NY. We are here to get you there!

    Cheers,

    Amy

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    Does your home have what it takes? The top 5 things Luxury Buyers want in their next home!

    October 21, 2022
    / Dream Homes /

    In today’s high-end luxury market, Buyers have distinctive taste and their wants and needs often vary. However, there are some details that the luxury segment can agree are the most highly sought after for their next home purchase. Here are the Top 5 things luxury buyers want…does your home have what it takes?

    • HOME AUTOMATION & TECH – Luxury buyers want all the bells and whistles including the latest and greatest tech and gadgets. Video doorbells and exterior/interior cameras and surveillance systems are just the beginning! This savvy buyer segment wants to make sure they are purchasing a “smart” home. In-wall touch screen control such as the ones from Brilliant Smart Home Systems gives you that “smart” home feel with the ease of a touchscreen panel. Instead of a light switch, the touchscreen controller is installed and one app rules all of the techy items in the home. You can control the Sonos music, Ring Doorbell, Schlage Lock, Nest Thermostat and much more from touching your control pad. And to think that “The Clapper” was totally innovative back in the day! Tech in your home has sure come a long way.
    • HEALTH & WELLNESS AMENITIES – The upper echelon doesn’t always want to sweat it out in group classes. They want a place at home where they can work out and re-energize. Home gyms have been appointed with the latest and greatest of fitness gear including Pelotons, Nordic Track Treadmills, Tonals, The Mirror and more! Some luxury homes boast incredible yoga or meditation studios. Others offer Infrared or Traditional Saunas. Some even have indoor pools! The bottom line is that luxury buyers want a private retreat where they can achieve their health and fitness goals and they don’t want to have to leave home to get it.
    • CHEF’S KITCHEN WITH DESIGNATED BEVERAGE AREAS – Recently I toured an ultra-luxe home and the owners shared with me that they were beer and wine connoisseurs. During their recent kitchen remodel, they made sure to design some of their favorite items for inclusion: an area for beer taps & kegs at the ready; a coffee bar with a built-in espresso machine; a wine cellar with facial recognition required for entry. The chef’s kitchen was also appointed with commercial grade appliances and a separate butler’s pantry/prep kitchen that is useful for large-scale catering and entertaining.
    • DRESSING ROOM & CUSTOM CLOSET – Every gal dreams of a beautifully appointed closet and dressing room! With the popularity of shows like “The Home Edit”, organization has become a new way of life and taken on a whole new meaning. Luxury buyers want to have an area where they can showcase their clothing, shoes and handbags in a department store-esque way – custom shelving to highlight their most prized possessions. I’ve seen a closet with over $100k worth of handbags and shoes in it! That closet was also hardwired with cameras throughout to deter would-be thieves. A well-appointed closet can house the most exclusive and valuable personal items.
    • LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Luxury buyers don’t want to be in a cookie-cutter neighborhood where every third home looks the same. They want special, unique and custom designs in a setting that fosters privacy from others. Whether the desire is acreage or simply a long private drive, luxury buyers want to find a supreme location to meet their needs. Any home can be changed cosmetically, and additions can always be built, but the one thing that a buyer cannot change is location, which is why this factor rounds out our top 5 luxury buyer wants and needs.

    Does your home have what it takes to compete in today’s luxury market? I would be happy to do a walkthrough of your home to share my thoughts on what exclusive luxury buyers are in search of today. Until then,

    Cheers!

    Amy 🙂

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    7 Musts When Prepping Your Home For Sale!

    September 9, 2022
    / Selling your Home /

    Now that summer fun has passed and Pumpkin lattes are near, you might be thinking a move is in your future! Based on my experience, there are 7 items you should put on your “honey-do” list in order to get the process started.

    NUMBER ONE: Make a list of all the improvements you have done since you purchased your home. Buyers want to know about all of the great updates you have put into the home during your time there! Don’t be afraid to elaborate: window treatments, mechanicals, driveway, appliances – include it all!

    NUMBER TWO: Have your HVAC professionally cleaned and inspected prior to hitting the market. During these competitive buying times, some buyers have been waiving inspections. One way to put them at ease in doing so with your home is to have the HVAC cleaned and inspected by a professional, reputable company so you can provide a satisfactory report showing the HVAC is in good working order.

    Technician and the Heater Issue. Caucasian Worker Looking Inside Central Gas Heater Trying to Fix the Problem.

    NUMBER THREE: Wash those windows! If your windows sparkle, the feeling is that your home is going to shine as well. And let’s face it, Buyers choose homes sometimes based on “feelings”!

    NUMBER FOUR: Shore up that curb appeal because 1st impressions are EVERYTHING:  Trim shrubs and pull weeds on your walkway up to your front door. Add seasonal flowerpots along with a flag – nothing says pride of ownership to potential buyers like colorful Mums and an American Flag.

    NUMBER FIVE: PURGE, PURGE, PURGE! Moving can be expensive so no need to bring extra items you will never use in your new home. Once you’ve made the decision to make a move, take some time to go through your basement, closets, garage, etc…and donate or sell unwanted items.  If you need some help in the “downsizing” department, contact an organizer who can help you make a plan.

    NUMBER SIX: Schedule an appointment with your handyman to fix the annoying items that need to be repaired.  It’s the little things that make a difference, after all, and the buyers will appreciate your diligence!  If every door knob they turn is falling off or your windows have multiple cracked panes, they might feel that your home has not been cared for. Take care of that list you’ve been meaning to get to.  

    NUMBER SEVEN: Interview 2-3 Realtors to find the right one for you!  Finding the right agent can make or break, not only your experience, but your outcome as well! Some Things to take into account are an agent’s experience, marketing strategy, presentation, reputation (search Zillow and other online resources to see what other sellers are saying about the realtors your considering). Doing your research upfront will go a long way in helping make your next move a smooth one! The Realtor you choose is in integral part of your “moving team” and you want to make sure that your goals are aligned with your agents’ goals.

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    If there is anything our team can do to help you with your home sale, please reach out!  We would love to be your trusted advisor that can help you make your next move!  And if you are in need of some resources to prepare your home for sale, give us a ring and we would be happy to share our contractor list with you!

    Cheers,

    Amy

    NUMBNER ONE:

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