... frequently asked questions

If I am selling my property straight away, does it matter if it's furnished or not?

There is no doubt that furnished, turn-key properties sell faster and for the highest price in short-term rental investment areas.  Consider if you are selling an empty home, any like property without furniture is your exact competition for the sale - without the furniture, it's only a price game.  A furnished property allows the investor to include the cost of furniture in his mortgage making the furnished property all the more appealing.  Even a basic package allows the investor to spend less out of pocket after the sale if they were to decide to add any extras to create a more appealing rental presentation.
 

How far in advance should I choose my furniture?

This depends on how far in advance you place your furniture order.   Once your package is paid for in full, we will begin to order and inventory furniture, bedding, pictures and any decorating details specific to your property.

We recommend our clients choose their furniture approximately 2-3 months prior to their estimated closing date.  Most furniture can be ordered and inventories in 8 weeks.  If you are able to order 12 weeks in advance, it simply allows us a little extra time to alleviate any backorders.  If for any reason a particular piece would not be available for your estimated dressing date, we would advise you with similar replacement options in the case of a time sensitive completion.

How long does it take to furnish my property?

If you have ordered your furniture at least 2 months in advance of your closing,  we will be able to complete your dressing in 7-10 business days (approximately 2 weeks or less).  As soon as we are able to confirm a closing date for your property we will assign a furniture delivery date which is usually 3 days after the closing date to allow us to change this date should the property not close as expected (it happens more often than you might think!).  If we can attain keys the day of or after closing, even before the furniture arrives we will begin putting bedding, pictures, small appliances, electronics and miscellaneous decorations in place.  By staying ahead of the furniture delivery, it allows us to complete your property as quickly as possible.

When can I expect to be able to stay in my property?

Having worked in the vacation rental market for 4 years now, the biggest disappointment we see is clients scheduling trips to come into town months in advance, only to find their property won't be closing on time.  We really recommend scheduling your trip to stay in your property approximately one month following your estimated closing date.   This will allow for any hiccups in your closing and any minor furniture backorders as well.

As you can easily arrange for a mail away closing for your property, there is no need for you to be on the premises for the closing itself.  We think it's much easier to arrange for the mail away, and allow us to complete the decorating process so you can visit your new property and actually enjoy it and appreciate some vacation time instead of staying in a hotel for part of your visit and then moving to your new vacation home when it is completed.

How will I know if my property will be closing in time?

Your realtor and/or builder will be your best source of information on your specific closing date.  To help keep our clients up-to-date on the progress of their property and to help us determine a more specific schedule for the dressing of your home, once you place a deposit with Emerald Palm Interiors we will send monthly or bi-weekly photos of your property here in Florida.  This will help us both determine if your estimated closing date is on schedule and should also help you determine how quickly following your estimated closing date you should be able to make arrangements to travel to Florida and vacation in your new property.

Which package should I choose?

The budget package is designed for our clients who are dealing with a limited budget, but would like to get into the rental market quickly and plan to upgrade on their own time and budget as rental income starts coming in.  It is also ideal for clients expecting to flip properties who intend to spend as little budget as possible to meet the "turn-key" criteria for a rental resale.

The popular package is named so for a very good reason - it is the most popular choice because it caters to a demanding rental market and allows for upgrade costs to personalize through your own decisions which specific details should be included to meet your budget.  It truly leaves nothing to add except some possible upgrades to include a game room or big screen TV.

The 5 Star all-inclusive package is designed for resort homes (Windsor Palms, Windsor Hills, Emerald Island and the likes) and larger properties as well.  Any of the details in the 5 star package are available as a specific upgrade to the popular package.

How much deposit do I have to place to order my furniture and when is the total amount due?

We require a $1,000 deposit to hold your package price if you are meeting with us more than 60 days in advance.  Otherwise, we require a 50% deposit 60 days in advance and the entire balance due no later than 30 days in advance of your "estimated" closing.  We work from an estimated closing date to secure a definite schedule to work with.  Once your 50% deposit is placed your furniture will be ordered and inventoried as it arrives; when the final balance is paid your bedding, pictures, electronics, etc. will be secured and inventoried until your home is closed and ready for dressing.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept personal checks, money orders, cashier checks, wire transfers and credit cards through Paypal's secure online processing.

Do I choose my bedding and pictures?

We shop specifically for each house we dress, so we do not inventory bedding and pictures.  This allows us to create a specific package unique to your home.  If you are hesitant to trust our direction, we can arrange to send images and choose bedding through e-mail communication.  Pictures are purchased from availability the weeks approaching your dressing and are more difficult to show specific images for you to choose from.  We do however take specific direction from you regarding the pictures we will choose - from general style and color to specific requests.  Each of these details could be discussed prior to your choosing Emerald Palm Interiors for your decorating needs.

How will I see my property if I am not the first guest to stay in
my newly furnished property?

Upon completion, we will post wide-angle images of your newly furnished vacation property.

What sets Emerald Palm Interiors apart from the rest of the competition?

Emerald Palm Interiors is a small team, more like a family that holds a great deal of pride in our work and presentation.  With over 14 consecutive years of experience in the rental market and currently owning rental properties in Windsor Palms and Windsor Hills, we know what makes for a successful rental property investment.

We use upgraded mattresses, larger TVs, upscale bedding, matted pictures and painted accent walls.  Many of clients threaten to kidnap us and take us home to decorate their own properties across the United States and UK, Ireland, and across Europe.  Surely that is the ultimate compliment to our design skills, and we feel our properties truly speak for themselves.

We also include free design of a web site to help you market your vacation property and will even recommend some place to further promote and increase the success of your new investment!  We know vacation properties like no other vacation furniture pack supplier in the area!

We hope you will make an appointment to meet with us or even discuss your needs via e-mail.  We would love the opportunity to make a lasting impression and discuss how our services could mean the difference in the success of your new rental home!