As the Spring market approaches, preparing to sell your home becomes paramount, and starting the process early can significantly enhance your chances of success. One essential tip is to begin by decluttering and depersonalizing your space, allowing potential buyers to envision themselves living in the property. Repair any visible damages, such as leaky faucets or cracked tiles, and consider a fresh coat of neutral paint to brighten up rooms. Enhancing curb appeal is another crucial step; trim hedges, mow the lawn, and add some potted plants to create an inviting exterior.

It’s never too early to start the process, so to further discuss prepping your home to sell this Spring, please feel free to reach out.

• Florida lawmakers could look into eliminating all property tax and replace lost revenue through a consumption tax depending on a potential study, according to the Florida Senate. House Bill 1371, originally filed on Jan. 5, exempted $100,000 of the value of real property from being taxed. Those over the age of 65 would be qualified to be exempted from property tax up to $250,000. (Florida Trend)

• The first rate cut could come in May as a response to distress in commercial real estate according to economist Komal Sri-Kumar suggesting the Fed should act soon to avoid a “tsunami” that’s coming from the sector. He argued that turmoil at US regional banks is not idiosyncratic and poses a systemic threat. I agree with this assessment 100%! (Business Insider)

• Garden staging? As Spring approaches, gardens and terraces pose an enormous marketing opportunity. They are often forgotten after thoughts but can play an enormous role in messaging an aspirational lifestyle. While green is always the prominent color of most landscaping, thinking about colors is often wise: this Spring my weekend home’s garden will be a mix of white, purples and pinks….. (FT)

• Have you noticed recently that designers are paying more attention to ceilings? The wood clad ceiling is making a come-back, and yes, classic molding details are quite in style these days….did they ever go out of style?

• Lacquered finishes, colors. even wallpapers are finding their way to the ceiling. (WSJ+)

• 5-year fixed-rate mortgages have tumbled to 4.64% from a peak of 6.11% in July 2023……in the UK. Sales activity has picked up notably and pricing has recovered already very close to 2022 peaks. (Bloomberg)

• Seoul, Tokyo, Madrid, Boston, and Toronto are the five best global cities for quality healthcare! Seoul boasts 11 of the world’s top hospitals.

• Around 60% of Florida’s beaches are privately owned.

Please let me know if I can ever be of assistance, in any way, to you or your family, friends, and colleagues.