HOMES & LIFE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TIMING THE MARKET: Is Spring or Summer the Best Time to Sell pg. 2
MY COMMITMENT TO YOU
The Truth About Zestimates and Online Home Values pg. 4
The 5 Most Overlooked Home Fixes That Add Real Value Before You Sell pg. 8 A TASTE OF SPRING: Lemon + Herb Roast Chicken with Fresh Asparagus + Pea Salad pg. 6
Whether you’re selling your first home, or you’re an experienced seller, my goal is to make the process as simple and effective as possible. I’ve negotiated contracts for millions of dollars’ worth of business and have been recognized for providing the utmost in quality service to my customers. My clients count on my knowledge and background to provide them with insight and direction in their real estate plans. If there’s anything I can do for you, please give me a call!
Sally Agent REALTOR® Results Realty 941-723-2400
CREATE AN OUTDOOR SPACE THAT SELLS Simple Yard & Patio Upgrades pg. 7
#1. SEAL WINDOWS & DOORS
Stop cool air from escaping with new weatherstripping or caulking.
#2. SWAP TO LED BULBS
LED bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional lightbulbs.
#3. CHANGE YOUR A/C FILTER
A clean filter helps your system run more efficiently.
#4. UPGRADE YOUR THERMOSTAT
Programable thermostats can save up to 10% a year on cooling costs.
#5. CLOSE THE BLINDS
Blocking the daytime heat can help reduce the need for A/C.
These simple tips will not only help you stay cool this summer, but also keep your energy costs in check all year long.
Considering selling? Get a no-obligation home value analysis using local market data, recent sales, and property specifics to help you price it right—and profit smart.
Call now for a complimentary consultation with zero pressure, just expert insight. Your home’s true value might surprise you!
Sally Agent REALTOR® 941-723-2400
TIMING THE MARKET: Is Spring or Summer the Best Time to Sell?
Spring is often seen as the “golden season” for real estate. Warmer weather, blooming landscapes, and increased buyer activity make this an ideal time to try and sell your home.
Families looking to move before the next school year usually begin their home search in early spring, and inventory starts to rise—giving buyers more choices and motivating sellers to present their homes at their best.
According to data from Zillow, homes listed in mid-to-late spring often sell faster and for more money than those listed in other seasons. Listings in May, for example, tend to sell six days faster and for about 1% more on average.
However, summer also brings strong advantages. Buyers who didn’t secure a home in spring are still actively searching, often with more urgency. Vacation schedules can make showings more flexible, and longer daylight hours allow for more viewing appointments.
When it comes to selling your home, timing can play a major role in your final sale price and how quickly your home sells. Two of the most popular seasons for real estate activity are spring and summer, but which is better for sellers?
Additionally, many sellers who listed in spring have already gone under contract, creating less competition for those listing in early summer.
The best season for you can also depend on your local market conditions. In some warmer climates, the spring market starts as early as February.
In cooler regions, summer can be just as strong—or even stronger—than spring.
Ultimately, the “right time” to sell is when you’re ready and can present your home in its best light. With proper pricing, strong marketing, and professional guidance, both spring and summer offer powerful opportunities to sell your home successfully.
Not sure which season is best for your area or situation? Reach out for a customized market analysis and game plan. It can help you make the most of your move, whenever the time is right.
The Truth About Zestimates and Online Home Values
“The truth is, Zestimates and other automated valuations are just estimates, not professional appraisals or real market analyses.”
In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get a quick snapshot of your home’s value with tools like Zillow’s Zestimate or other online estimators. But how accurate are these numbers—and should you rely on them when deciding to sell?
The truth is, Zestimates and other automated valuations are just estimates, not professional appraisals or real market analyses. These tools use algorithms based on public data, such as past sales, tax records, and neighborhood trends.
While convenient, they don’t account for real-time market shifts, recent upgrades, or your home’s unique features.
In fact, Zillow itself states that Zestimates can be off by more than 5% in many markets. On a $500,000 home, that’s a potential difference of $25,000 or more—a gap that could mean money left on the table or pricing your home too high to attract buyers.
What Zestimates are good for is providing a ballpark range. But if you’re serious about selling— or just want to know your home’s true worth— you’ll need a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a real estate professional who understands your neighborhood, current buyer demand, and local trends.
The bottom line: online tools are a starting point— not the final word. For pricing that gets results, trust an experienced agent who can combine data with insight.
Curious about your real home value? Let’s talk. For a free, no-obligation valuation you can trust, reach out today!
“...if you’re
serious about selling—or
just want
to know your home’s true worth—you’ll need a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a real estate professional who understands your neighborhood, current buyer demand, and local trends.”
A Taste of Spring:
Lemon + Herb Roast Chicken
Ingredients:
• 3 lb. whole chicken
• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• ½ tsp. seasoning salt
Lemon + Herb Roast Chicken with Fresh Asparagus + Pea Salad
Fresh Asparagus + Pea Salad
with Honey Dijon Dressing
+Ingredients: Salad
Ingredients: Dressing
• ½ tsp. mustard powder
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 2 lemons (juiced)
• 2 tbsps. olive oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, seasoning salt, mustard powder, and black pepper. Rinse chicken and pat dry; place in a baking dish. Sprinkle 1½ teaspoons of the spice mixture inside the chicken; rub the rest on the outside. Combine lemon juice and olive oil; drizzle over the chicken. Bake for about 1½ hours, basting occasionally, until juices run clear.
• 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 c. fresh or frozen peas
• 4 c. mixed spring greens
• ¼ c. red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ c. crumbled goat cheese
• ¼ c. sliced almonds (toasted)
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp. honey
• Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Blanch asparagus and peas in boiling water for 2 minutes; transfer to ice water to cool, then drain. In a large bowl, combine greens, asparagus, peas, red onion, goat cheese, and almonds.Whisk together dressing ingredients; toss with salad just before serving.
Create an Outdoor Space that Sells Simple Yard & Patio Upgrades
In today’s market, a well-maintained yard or inviting patio isn’t just a bonus—it’s a major selling point.
In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, landscaping upgrades can offer a return on investment of up to 100%. Better yet, many improvements are affordable and easy to tackle in a weekend.
Here are a few simple ways to create outdoor spaces that help your home stand out:
Refresh the Landscaping
Trim overgrown shrubs, add fresh mulch, and plant colorful seasonal flowers. A neat, vibrant yard signals a well-cared-for home.
Add Outdoor Lighting
Solar-powered path lights or string lights around
a patio create ambiance and highlight your yard’s best features—even after sunset.
Stage the Patio or Deck
A clean seating area with a small table, chairs, and cozy cushions helps buyers imagine relaxing or entertaining. Don’t underestimate the power of visual storytelling!
Power Wash Surfaces
Give your driveway, walkways, and patio a fresh look with a quick power wash. It instantly boosts curb appeal.
Add Greenery in Planters
Even if your space is small, decorative planters with herbs or flowers add life and charm.
Reach out for more helpful ideas to help you sell!
By enhancing your outdoor spaces, you help buyers see themselves living there, and that emotional connection often leads to a faster, more profitable sale.
The 5 Most Overlooked Home Fixes That Add Real Value Before You Sell
When preparing to sell your home, it’s natural to focus on major upgrades like kitchen remodels or bathroom renovations.
But many homeowners overlook smaller, less expensive fixes that can have a big impact on buyer perception—and your final sale price.
Here are five often-forgotten updates that can boost your home’s appeal and help you sell faster and for more:
1. Replace Outdated Light Fixtures & Switch Plates
A quick and affordable way to modernize your space is to swap old or mismatched light fixtures for clean, contemporary ones.
Also replace any discolored or cracked switch plates. These details may seem minor, but they help rooms feel fresh and wellmaintained.
2. Refresh the Front Door & Entryway Hardware
Curb appeal matters—your front door sets the tone for a showing. A coat of paint, updated doorknob, or stylish house numbers can create a great first impression.
A bright, welcoming entry signals to buyers that your home is move-in ready.
3. Clean or Re-Caulk Grout Lines
Grimy grout or old caulking can make even the cleanest bathrooms look neglected.
Re-caulking tubs, sinks, and backsplashes and scrubbing or re-staining grout lines gives kitchens and bathrooms a like-new appearance for minimal cost.
4. Fix Squeaky Hinges & Sticky Doors
Doors that squeak, stick, or don’t close properly signal poor maintenance.
A little lubricant, realignment, or hinge tightening goes a long way in giving your home a polished, cared-for feel.
5. Touch Up Baseboards, Molding & Trim
Chipped paint or scuffed baseboards catch the eye quickly.
A quick coat of paint around trim and molding brightens the entire space and helps buyers focus on the home’s features—not its flaws.
These overlooked fixes may seem small, but they send a powerful message: your home has been loved and maintained.
Spend a little time on these upgrades, and you could see a big return when it’s time to sell your home.
Results Realty
10510 Portal Crossing, Suite #107
Bradenton, FL 34211
More Than a Transaction
For me, real estate is more than closing details—it’s about building lasting relationships rooted in trust, communication, and care. My clients remember me because I make their goals my mission. I’m here with strategy, honesty, and hands-on support every step of the way.
I Stay Connected
But what truly makes the difference? I don’t disappear once the keys are handed over. I check in, offer ongoing value, and remain a resource long after the transaction is done.
Built to Be Remembered
That level of commitment leaves a lasting impression—and it’s why I’m the first name they recommend when friends and family need a trusted real estate advisor.
Getting ready to sell? Reach out for a Free Curb Appeal Evaluation. Make sure every person that drives by wants to come inside.