NEW LISTING!!!!

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® says more than 50 percent of March's home sales were tied to first-time buyers, many of whom snapped up foreclosed homes and other distressed properties.

Experts believe getting first-time buyers off the sidelines to take advantage of historically low interest rates and federal tax credits will reduce the glut of homes on the market and spark a recovery. Some point out that first-time buyers are helping to revitalize communities in Florida, California, and other states hit hard by foreclosures.

However, distressed properties often sell for 20 percent less than traditional properties, and the increase in lower-end sales is driving down the national median home price.

Source: USA Today, Stephanie Armour (04/30/09)

Address: 7220 Capercaillie Trail, Jacksonville, FL 32210

UNIQUE, VERY PRIVATE, BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED 3BR/2BA LOG HOME

Directions: From I-295 North to 208 West (Wilson Blvd., exit 17), to right on Old Middleburg Rd, to right on Capercaillie Trail.

Over 2,600 sqft of living space! Vaulted ceilings/cedar beams, beautiful polished hardwood floors, stained glass windows and light fixtures, built in bookshelves, huge terraced rear deck off of the kitchen, French doors, spacious family room w/ large stone wood burning fireplace, new tile in kitchen & baths, carpet in bedrooms and loft/bonus room. The loft also has a large stone wood burning fireplace, pool table & wet bar. The pool table covey’s with the sale! Two bedrooms upstairs, master bedroom & bath downstairs. The property backs up to a creek, has loads of privacy and is move-in-ready!