Know How to Show Your Home To Attract The Most Buyers

by admin on February 26, 2012

Know How to Show Your Home To Attract The Most BuyersWhen it’s time to sell your home, putting a little extra effort into “staging” can yield big dividends. Staging entails making your home look as new and fresh as possible, and showcasing the care, quality, and cleanliness that will appeal to potential buyers.

It may involve some minor expenses but in the end, it could have a positive impact on the final dollar amount of the sale. Here are several tips to stage your home to lead to a faster sale.

View your home through a buyer’s perspective. Take off your family glasses and put on some shades that reflect what a buyer is seeking. Make a list of everything that may need to be repaired, repainted, or refinished and get to work.  This includes the interior, the exterior, and the garage.

Enhance your curb appeal. Your home’s exterior is the first area the prospective buyer will see, so make a positive first impression. A well-maintained lawn is a must. Make sure your lawn is mowed or the desert landscaping is maintained. Trim back shrubs, bushes and tree branches. Add color throughout the yard with seasonal blooms and a flower basket by the entryway. Touch up with paint as needed and repair any loose shingles. And finally, make sure the outdoor grill is clean and any porch or patio furniture is attractive arranged.

Less is more–everywhere. It can be tough when you’re still living in the home, but take this opportunity to do a thorough house cleaning and sell, donate, or throw away items that you no longer need or want. If you will be downsizing to a smaller home, consider what furniture can be quickly removed from your home.

Many prospective homebuyers want to envision their own belongings in the home, so the fewer items you have out, the better. Remove personal photos and collectibles and de-clutter on a regular basis. Leave a few pieces of furniture to show the scale and proportion of the room.

  • When you’re in the midst of cleaning, don’t forget the garage. Avoid the temptation to make this a storage space for all the items in your home. Utilize the same rules as the clutter within your home:  1) Do you need it now? 2) Will you need it in your future home? If the answer to either of these is “no,” then sell, donate, or throw it away. Do your best to make your garage as tidy and attractive as the rest of your home. If necessary, rent a nearby storage unit to safely stow belongings out of sight.

Clean, clean, and clean some more. This puts your home in the best possible light, so get rid of the cobwebs, dust the light fixtures and ceiling fans, wash the windows and screens. Wipe down baseboards, chase down the dust bunnies, and tidy up the shelves throughout your home, including the linen closets, pantry, not to mention the kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Be sure to scrub down the bathroom shower doors and tile, not to mention countertops and toilet base.

Add some extra touches. This doesn’t mean adding more of your personal décor to the home.  Rather, on the days you are having an open house or know the realtor will be stopping by with a prospective buyer, open the windows and drapes so potential sellers can admire the light. Turn on some music, such as light jazz or classical, to create a peaceful environment. Light a flameless candle with a popular scent like vanilla or apple pie.

  • As a special touch, create an information sheet that a new homeowner would find helpful. Identify website links for area churches, nearby hospitals and the closest grocery and drug stores. Give directions and locations on local parks, libraries, recreational opportunities and even the day and time the garbage man swings by your home.

Make your home stand apart from the others.

By going the extra mile to stage your home from the perspective of a potential buyer, you can generate additional interest in your home and, hopefully, secure the top dollar during your home sale.

This guest blog was provided by Linda Wise a Realtor who sells Merritt Island FL homes for sale and Palm Bay FL homes for sale including other areas such as Viera FL homes for sale.

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What Does a Home Appraiser Look For During An Appraisal?

by admin on February 26, 2012

What Does a Home Appraiser Look For During An AppraisalA home appraisal is an important part of most real estate transactions. Often times, home appraisals are required by mortgage companies; and they offer buyers a peace of mind in knowing that the property is actually worth the price they are paying for it.

You might wonder what kind of a report you are going to receive from the home appraiser, and it would help to know what to expect. So, what exactly are appraisers looking for when they come into your house? Here are the main points your appraiser will be checking out.

  • Total square footage

The appraiser will use a standard measuring tape or measuring wheel to measure every wall on the outside of the house and every room on the inside. Although, they may skip this step if there is a previous appraisal report or mortgage survey available.

  • Maintenance

The appraiser will look at how well your home is maintained. Is the yard landscaped and neat?  Are there any visible cracks in your walkway? Are your floors and walls in good condition?  I always advise sellers to clean up their homes and complete any necessary repairs prior to the appraisal. Do your best to present your home well to the appraiser; it will pay off in the long run.

  • Housing market

The value of comparable homes in your neighborhood is a major factor in the appraised value of your home. Your appraiser will compare your home with other homes in your area that have recently sold. This is one factor that a seller has virtually no control over, so timing can be everything. You can do some research on your own to prepare yourself for what the market is like. There are online resources where sellers can look up homes in their area that have recently sold, in order to get an idea of where their house may fall.

  • Additions

The appraisal is partially based on the size of your home. Non-living spaces, like garages, are not included in the size, but they can add to the overall value of your home. Screened or covered porches are also considered separately.

  • Finished basement

A finished basement can add to the value of your home if it is a quality job. Many buyers like finished basements and are willing to pay a bit more for a house that has one.

  • Permanent fixtures

Appraisers consider only permanent fixtures when calculating the value of your home. For example, an in-ground swimming pool would be considered, because it is permanent, while an aboveground swimming pool would not. Other permanent additions, such as fireplaces, can add to the value of your home if they are installed correctly.

  • Location

Homes in safe neighborhoods with quality school districts and many resources tend to appraise higher than homes in other areas. Again, this is a factor that is not really within your control, but it is one to keep in mind when you are in the market to buy.

  • Number of rooms

Extra bedrooms and bathrooms can increase the value of your home, but only in comparison to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms neighboring homes have. If most of the homes in your neighborhood have four bedrooms, and your home has three, adding an extra bedroom can increase the value of your home, but adding extra bedrooms to a home that already has four will not add as much value.

  • Property size

Appraisers consider the size of the property when calculating the value of your home. Larger properties are attractive to buyers who may want to build additions on to the house. Large lawns may also be attractive to families with children and pets. Some buyers, however, might be turned off at the idea of extra lawn work.

Knowing What to Expect Helps

These are the main factors an appraiser will look at when calculating the value of your home.  If you are selling your home, these are some things to think about.

This was was provided by Mitch Ribak, and although he is a real estate agent servicing Merritt Island FL real estate, you can still get some great ideas about the appraisal process and many more home buying routines on his Rockledge FL real estate website.

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Is Homeownership Still a Part of the American Dream?

by admin on February 23, 2012

Is Homeownership Still a Part of the American DreamOver the last few years, the economy has made it fairly difficult for anyone to own a home. This is no secret. We are seeing scary foreclosures on homes, short sales, and such. Not only that, but the economy has made it more and more difficult to buy and sell such property.

Thus, many wonder if owning a home is still a part of the American Dream. Or are things changing? Perhaps it has been kicked off completely or at least pushed to the bottom of the list. Is homeownership still a priority for America?

Is Homeownership Still a Part of the American Dream?

The Overall Picture

According to recent information, people’s opinions are suggesting owning a home is still greatly a part of the American dream. People in general recognize owning a home as a valuable investment and asset. A fair majority of all Americans still find value and a sense of belonging, in the United States when it comes owning a home. Thus, it is still very much a part of our dream.

However, along with this information there are also records demonstrating that there may be an age discrimination represented in the statistics. It appears that younger individuals are opting to rent a property rather than own one. In contrast to this, older adults are more likely to look to owning another home before renting a space.

What does this suggest? This may suggest that it is tradition that the older generation is holding onto to own a home, and perhaps we may see a change in direction as the younger generations (who seem to prefer renting right now) migrate towards the top of the age range.

How Do You Make this Dream Possible?

As a realtor, I strongly believe that owning a home is part of the American Dream. It does give you a sense of belonging and a sense of accomplishment. So, how can we make it happen? One must wonder how people are still making their American Dream come true with the money market at its current state. One must also wonder what the necessary steps are to be taken to ensure obtaining his or her dream home.

Here are a few suggestions that people look to when they have decided to purchase their “All American Home.”

Income is Key

One of the most important factors to remember when buying a home is that you must be able to make the monthly payments. If you cannot, purchasing a home is not the best option for you. Keep the price in mind as you begin your home search; make your search match what you can afford. Make sure you find a home that fits into your monthly budget as well as your yearly one.

Owning a Home Can be a Good Investment

Although the current market suggests that owning a home is more of a cost than a benefit, as the economy continues to climb, so will the value of your home. Thus, purchasing a home now at a lower cost may just be the best decision you can make right now, if you can afford to do so.

Seek Professional Advice

Before buying a home, many suggest speaking with individuals who know the housing market in your area and what you can expect to get out of your purchase. Individuals many seek out are brokers, lenders, and financial advisors. By discussing your expectations as well as your restrictions, I can help you to select a home that is perfect for you and within your current price range.

Renting Versus Buying

Many also suggest renting a space rather than purchasing a home. Why? Part of the American Dream is simply just having a space to call your own. Although you are still renting a space, the space is temporarily yours as long as you pay your bills on time and maintain the property. It also saves on costs such as maintenance work, repairs, etc. Although not as desirable as owning a home, it still provides a place for “home” for many individuals.

This guest post on the American Dream of homeownership was provided by Allison Klein who helps buyers and sellers in the Fort Collins real estate market find homes in and around the Fort Collins area including Windsor CO homes and Loveland CO homes for sale.

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Five Tips for Creating Specialty Rooms in Your Home

by admin on February 18, 2012

Five Tips for Creating Specialty Rooms in Your HomeIn today’s homes, people are becoming more creative about devoting rooms, or portions of rooms, to create environments for living, working and recreation, not to mention addressing specific needs of family members or lifestyle decisions.

Virtually every home has a kitchen, a family or living room, and a master bedroom; but the rest of the rooms are up for grabs. You may or may not find in a home a home office, playroom, rec room, home fitness area, library/den, homeschool environment, craft and hobby room, workshop, or in-law suite.

And that’s just some possibilities for the inside. What about your exterior environments? Outdoor kitchens, secret gardens, a lanai, a balcony off the upstairs bedroom, a deck or patio off the kitchen, even a courtyard with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit can be amazing additions to your home and extend your living spaces throughout the year.

Five Tips for Creating Specialty Rooms in Your Home

To take advantage of all this living space calls for some planning and preparation–a strategy, a vision and, most importantly, a budget. You may not be able to tackle all the rooms, so choose the ones that are most important to you and your family and focus on those first. The rest will fall into place.

  • Create a strategy

 This sounds more complex than it really is. What is your most pressing need? Do you work from home regularly or freelance on the side? A home office may take precedence over a fitness room. Do you homeschool your children? A dedicated school room may take precedence over a craft/hobby room. Determine what rooms you want to create within your home environment and prioritize them.

  • Develop a vision for each room 

Once you’ve created your priorities, do a room by room assessment to determine what you need in terms of furniture, technology needs and décor. Once you know what you need (and remember, there is a difference between “need” and “want” so you can stagger some of those purchases). Create a floor plan, or layout, so you know where you want to place particular items. For example, a television should be close to the electrical outlets and a cable outlet. A desk should also be close to an electrical outlet, and realistically, in an area where you can hide all the cords associated with computers, telephones, charging stations, post office machines, printers and scanners.

  • Determine your budget

This is the most important part of creating a specialty room. You don’t want to break the bank but you do want it to meet your needs. Consider how much you can afford and shop wisely. Want to paint? Look for paint sales at your local home improvement store. Need a desk? Check out consignment shops, Craig’s List, classified ads, Freecycle or even estate sales. If you live in a city that offers individual or virtual office space (the kind where you can rent a conference center for a few hours or even an office with some amenities such as a receptionist), ask the manager if they ever have leftover furniture.

  • Clean out the room you plan to use

If the room has been languishing as a guest bedroom or catch-all for “I don’t want to throw this away but I don’t know what to do with it,” it’s time to take a good look around and get tough. Throw away items that are broken, stained or beyond repair. Create a pile of “stuff” that you no longer use or want and set it aside to give to another family, donate to local thrift shop or Freecycle, and sell at a garage sale.

  • Create it

Now the fun begins! Start with the walls. Add a fresh coat of paint while the room is empty. Grab your floor plan (aren’t you glad you made one?) and begin moving in the furniture. Once you’ve moved everything in, then take it for a test-run. Sit at the desk and send some emails. Do a quick workout. Does the room feel right to you? If not, do some rearranging. This room is meant for a specific purpose, so make sure it meets your needs.

And finally, add the finishing touches–wall decals with inspirational quotes, artwork that inspires or soothes you, a quilt rack for your craft room, a gallery to showcase your favorite family photographs. The possibilities are endless.

 Create an environment that meets your needs.

Your home is your castle, so take the time to create a plan and a vision that will bring you and your family pleasure for years to come. With some advance planning, a sharp eye for sales, and some creative shopping or bargaining, you, too, can create beautiful specialty rooms.

This article was written by Kimberley Joy Kelly a Palm Desert CA Realtor. You can learn more about Kim by visiting her Palm Desert homes for sale website. You can also check out some of the many golf homes in her area using the La Quinta homes for sale and Palm Springs homes for sale property searches on her website.

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Should You Remodel Or Sell Your Home And Upgrade?

by admin on February 13, 2012

Should You Remodel Or Sell Your Home And UpgradeWith today’s economy, it can often be quite difficult to decide whether one should remodel or sell their home. There are also several other factors that play into the decision aside from your money situation. How do you decide what is the best decision for you?

How do you sort through all of the advice, confusion, and swarm of statistics running through your head? Many today are opting to remodel rather than move simply because they cannot afford the cost of moving; however, this may not be the best decision for everyone.

Should You Remodel Or Sell Your Home And Upgrade?

One of the first factors to consider when determining whether to remodel or sell your home is the best decision for you is location. Do you like the neighborhood you are currently living in? Does it offer a school for your children, other families similar to you, or amenities in the area that you cannot find elsewhere? These are crucial questions to ask yourself before you decide to sell your home and move to another location.

However, it is also important to look at your neighborhood’s restrictions with regards to remodeling as well. Some districts will not allow for a homeowner to expand their garage, build a fence, or be too close to the street with their property. Thus, it is important to look into your location and what is expected of you before you decide to remodel or sell.

How’s Your Finances?

Another key component to your decision is your financial situation. This idea works both ways. If you want more space within the home, are you able to afford the cost of purchasing an entire home? If you are not, remodeling may be the best option for you. However, if you have your home paid off and know what the value of your home is, it may be smarter for you to purchase a home.

Remodels can get quite pricey and thus it is important to determine which one better fits into your current budget. Also keep in mind that if you cannot afford another option, you may have to live in your home during a remodel. However, remodels can also add a great deal to the home if done correctly. It is crucial to know the money market and what homeowners around your area are getting for their houses.

Speak To Your Family And Get Advice

Finally, it is important to talk to other friends and family that have already made the decision to remodel or sell. If they chose to remodel, why did they choose to do so? If they sold their home, why did they do that instead of a remodel? You can gain a great deal of valuable insight by listening to the people closest to you.

For example, many individuals state that living in your home during a remodel is quite stressful for not only you, but also to your family and your marriage. Thus, many would recommend living elsewhere until the project is finished. If this advice proves to be important to you, then you must decide whether or not you can afford a temporary place while the remodeling is taking place.

Remodeling or selling your home can be a difficult decision to make. Still, consider all of the factors that you must, such as the ones suggested above; and then, move forward one way or the other. Sometimes, just making a decision tends to be a relief and allows you to enjoy the decision you have made and the progress you are making. The most important factor to remember when making such a decision is that it has to be right for you. Pay attention to your “gut” during the decision-making process; and once you make the decision, don’t look back.

Article provided by Aaron Seekford. Aaron is a real estate agent in Arlington Virginia. You can check out Aaron’s website where you can search all Arlington Virginia neighborhoods as well as search all real estate Arlington VA.

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How To Have A Successful Open House

by admin on February 6, 2012

How To Have A Successful Open HouseTrying to sell your home? Many sellers today look to open houses as an excellent way to market and sell their property. It not only allows for several potential buyers to see the place at once, but it also provides the customer any opportunity to ask any questions he or she may have about the space.

However, an open house is only beneficial when it is done properly. Otherwise, it may actually turn potential customers away and provide false hope for the seller. Follow the tips below in order to have a flawless open house and an event people will be talking about for days!

How To Have A Successful Open House

First and for most, spread the word of your open house as much as possible. If no one knows about the event, how do they know to show up? As we are becoming a technological nation, there are countless forms of communication and advertisement. Thus, posting your open house on Facebook, Twitter, in journal advertisements, posters, postcards, or even a personal invitation proves to be the norm rather than the exception these days.

It is important to let people know you are passionate about the property you have to sell and that you are excited to show it off. Get the word out there, stand out, and make people want to come to your event. It is also important to place signs where people will see them including in intersections, in front of the house, etc. Balloons add a nice touch as well!

First Impressions Are Everything

As in a first date, the first impression is everything when trying to sell your home. It is important to make the customer feel pulled towards the house. Thus, many sellers make it a point to put a fresh coat of paint in the entryway, tidy up the landscape, or even change the look of the door, knobs, windows and the like. These minor adjustments make a major difference in the big picture. Without people coming into the house, how can you show it off? So, you’ll want to take these steps to make the home inviting.

Once the first impression has proven to be successful, the potential buyer is then ready to see the rest of the home. Like the entryway, the inside of the home must be just as spot-on and spotless. Any clutter, dust, dirt or broken fixtures could ruin your chances of selling your house.

Would you really want to buy a toy that looks used and broken? I do not think so. Thus, it is important to clean and primp before showing anyone your home. Some individuals even go as far as hiring professional cleaners, home stagers, and maintenance workers in order to ensure their house is ready to be presented.

Set The Mood And Appeal To The Senses

Finally, the mood of the house is everything! When planning your open house, remember the five senses. Does your house have an odor? Place candles within the rooms to prevent unpleasant smells and also to make the place feel cozy and warm. Do the drapes and window shades block out a lot of natural light? Open them up to let the sunlight in. Turn on all of the lights in the house, aside from the ones that make noise, in order to brighten up the place.

Bake cookies and have refreshments–leaving the customers a sense of satisfaction both from your goodies and the house. Most importantly, make the potential buyer feel at home. After all, why else would you have an open house?

Ultimately, an open house can be the perfect touch to finalizing the sale of your home. Just remember, in order for it to be successful, you must follow these simple steps. It can actually be quite fun!

Article provided by Paula Henry, a Avon Indiana Realtor. If you’re interested in learning more about buying or selling a home in Avon, visit her Indianapolis Real Estate Blog or search homes for sale in Avon Indiana on her website.

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