Jolene Hardy Shares 3 Tips to Help Sellers Sell High, and Buyers Buy the Right Property

Buying or selling a home is one thing, but how do you take your transaction to the next level? Too many deals are derailed or watered down by unexpected—but preventable—problems. The result can be a prolonged process, a lower return on investment, or even a lifetime of regret.

But where there are traps, there are experts at avoiding them. If you are set on buying or selling in Florida, choosing a top realtor in Fort Myers to find you the perfect home or excel in staging your current one is vital. With some extra research, you could make a simple property deal into the leap forward your life needs.

Jolene Hardy, counted among Fort Myers’ top realtors and premier experts in the Gulf access/waterfront market, has the insight to match her clients’ aspirations. Whether they’re selling, buying, or investing, she’s always looking at the long-term, eyeing opportunities with meticulous attention to detail. As a Realtor® at John R. Wood Properties/Christie’s International in Fort Myers, Florida, she has learned three indispensable steps to turn any transaction into an unmitigated success:

“When selling your house, hire the best professional in the area who has the time to give you the detailed attention you deserve,” Jolene explains. “Look at existing listings they have in the MLS. Did they hire a professional photographer? If not, run!”

Other non-negotiables include tiny property descriptions and a high amount of listings. This level of commitment may indicate a professional has more time for their career than you. That’s not indicative of Fort Myers’ top realtors.

As recommended by past clients and peers, Jolene Hardy has won the 5 Star Award for the past six years. She also boasts Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) status, which equips her with the tools to help her clients secure the best deal, not the other way around. All these feats are within a team in John R. Wood that ranks as Christie’s Affiliate of the Year, top in its market for sales volume.

But what matters in a transaction is the underlying philosophy. Guided by honor and integrity, Jolene works hard at finding a suitable property or staging an optimized listing because she wants her clients to prosper far down the road. And, crucially, she wants to be there for both the journey and the destination.

Properties can have any number of drawbacks, from minor snags to huge game-changers. But, if you spend all your time thinking about that, you won’t enjoy a smooth and seamless process. Leave these details to a trusted expert, like a surveyor or realtor.

“Get the house inspected prior to listing to see if there are any huge items that need your attention before it kills the deal and scares buyers away,” Jolene recommends. “For example, unseen roof leaks in attic space, termites, or an air conditioner that doesn’t cool properly. Polybutylene pipes will need to be completely replaced because of insurance issues.”

Individual expertise isn’t the only factor in deciding who the top realtor in Fort Myers will be for your transaction. Who they know is just as important as what they know.

Owing to her storied designer background, Jolene counts remodelers, builders, and supply stores among her most valuable contacts. Moreover, her passion for boating and fishing gives her unique insight into the waterfront market. Driving everything is a noble objective: to solve problems with as much creativity as necessary.

While leaving the most complex matters to a reputable professional can be pivotal, there are still some easy steps you can take yourself to improve a transaction. Tidying up might sound straightforward, but it can open up a world of staging opportunities.

“I always suggest boxing up as much personal stuff as you can,” Jolene says. “Get boxes all the same size, fill them, and stack them neatly in the garage. It’s better to get clutter and personal items out of your space so the buyer can see themselves in it.”

With a Marketing & Advertising BFA degree from California State University Northridge (CSUN) and studies in Interior Design at Pellissippi State University, Jolene thrives as a proficient stager, and her marketing expertise flourishes on her listings. Moreover, 20-plus years spent advertising for clients such as Coca-Cola and Ford has accentuated her ability to identify the ideal buyer. When integrated into the property world, it’s a formidable combination that puts her in contention to be the best real estate agent in Florida.

Jolene’s example highlights the unlikely synergy that makes for a top realtor in a place like Fort Myers. Laying mulch can be just as crucial as bringing a boating-inclined buyer to the base of their dreams. It’s a fine balance, and for investors, seasonal residents, and the families that live there, Jolene Hardy represents the key to a rewarding real estate ride.