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Selling Your Home? Here’s How to Make It Lovable

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Today’s buyers love vibrant red and orange accent walls, usually in contrast to earth-toned neutrals.

They also love stoves with super-quiet exhaust fans, kitchen islands, and recessed lighting combined with hanging pendant fixtures.

In the bathroom, they love glass and stone finishes with brushed nickel faucets and floating vanities.

And don’t forget the open floor plans that blend kitchen, dining room and family room into a single open space.

Seducing today’s buyers is almost a necessity in today’s real estate market. But how far should you go to cater to buyers’ wants?

It depends. Unless you’re selling a luxury property, you don’t have to buy a professional-grade stove. However, you may want to consider trading your outdated avocado appliances for stainless steel and buying an inexpensive island on casters to make the kitchen feel more modern.

Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, so it makes sense to spend the majority of your renovation dollars to upgrade these spaces. In the bathroom, new fixtures, a soft color for the walls and sconce lighting will make a world of difference. Add fluffy white towels, flowers and candles, and you have a spa that buyers will love.

A fresh coat of neutral paint is always a cost-effective solution. And an accent wall can make a space look bigger, warmer and more up to date.

Carpeting is out and exotic woods and travertine floors are in. However, your buyers will likely be as impressed with less-expensive flooring options.

Why NOW is the Prime Time to Buy!

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Home affordability is at an all-time high.

The median mortgage payment on the median priced
home as a percentage of the median household
income is lower than it’s been in a generation.

Mortgage rates are at rock bottom.

It’s hard to imagine interest rates going much lower, and
when they start to inch back upwards, monthly
payments and total loan costs will spike upwards.

Home prices are back on the rise.

After declining for 30 months, home prices are trending back
upward. The time get in to the market is NOW!

Sellers are motivated.

This means that buyers have the upper hand! From banks looking to
dispose of foreclosed properties to homeowners
who are fiercely competing among an excess of
housing inventory, buyers have untold choices and
negotiating power.

Financing is readily available!

Banks are back in the game and ready to lend to well-qualified
buyers.

Owning vs. renting is increasingly favorable.

Since 2009, the average principal and interest
payment has fallen below the average rental rates,
and the gap is now wider than it’s been in the past
22 years.

Homeownership is still at the core of the American Dream!

Owning a home is critical to financial stability and wealth building. It’s
a forced savings account, a place to live and a fabulous tax deduction.

 

How to Help Your Agent Sell Your Home

Friday, January 6th, 2012

While your real estate agent may be working flat out to sell your home, you – as the seller – also have an important role to play.

It’s up to you to prepare your home for sale.

While your real estate agent may suggest, recommend and even cajole, selling your home is your job, and no one else can do it for you.

You have only one chance to make a first impression.

It’s so true.

A recent survey indicated that more than 60% of buyers knew the property was for them the minute they walked in the door.

So make sure you put a lot of your effort into that first impression.

Cut the grass or shovel the snow to make it easy to get to your front door.

Repair stairs and railings and remove all the usual clutter.

For a great first impression, paint the front door a color that coordinates with your trim and add new hardware.

De-clutter the foyer and make it a grand entrance. A mirror over a hall table reflects light and gives your entrance a finished look.

In the living areas, remove some of your furniture and paint the walls a neutral color to give them a spacious feel. Use lighting, even in the daytime,

to brighten dark corners. In the bedrooms, organize your closets to make them seem roomier.

Kitchens and bathrooms can sell – or not sell – your home. If you can afford it, replace outdated appliances and fixtures. If you can’t, go for a good first impression with uncluttered, sparkling-clean counters.

In the bathroom, new fluffy towels and accessories may help visitors overlook the dated vanity.

While it’s listed, your home should always be kept clean, tidy and smelling fresh. Help your real estate agent and you’ll find that between the two of you, 60% of buyers may just find your house is “the one.”