Remember the 60-second rule: That’s all the time you have to create a winning first impression. Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home’s appeal.Exterior* Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.* Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.* Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.* Tighten and clean all door handles.* Clean windows inside and out.* Powerwash home’s exterior.*...
Real Estate
As the seller, you can control three factors that will affect the sale of your home:* The home’s condition* Asking price* Marketing strategyHowever, it’s important to note that there are numerous other factors that influence a buyer, and you need to understand these consumer trends when you enter the sellers’ market. The more your home matches these qualifications, the more competitive it will be in...
Let’s face it: When your house goes on the market, you’re not only opening the door to prospective buyers, but also sometimes to unknown vendors and naive or unqualified buyers. As with any business transaction, there is an expected protocol to how sellers, buyers and their respective agents interact. Should you find yourself in a sticky situation, alert your agent so he or she can address and remedy...
The asking price you set for your home significantly affects whether you will profit in the sale, how much you will profit and how long your home will sit on the market. Your real estate agent’s knowledge of the overall market and what’s selling – or not selling – will be invaluable in helping you determine the price. The objective is to find a price that the market will bear but won’t leave...
10 Questions to Ask Your Realtor about Selling a HouseAre you a full-time professional real estate agent? How long have you worked full time in real estate? How long have you been representing buyers? What professional designations do you have?Knowing whether or not your agent practices full time can help you determine potential scheduling conflicts and his or her commitment to your transaction. As with...
Eight steps to selling your homeDefine your needs. Write down all the reasons for selling your home. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to sell and what do I expect to accomplish with the sale?” For example, a growing family may prompt your need for a larger home, or a job opportunity in another city may necessitate a move. For your goals, write down if you’d like to sell your house within a certain time...
Qualifications are important. However, finding a solid, professional agent means getting beyond the resume, and into what makes an agent effective. Use the following questions as your starting point in hiring your licensed, professional real estate agent:Why did you become a real estate agent?Why should I work with you?What do you do better than other real estate agents?What process will you use to help me...
Seven main roles of your real estate agentA Buyer’s Real Estate Agent:Educates you about your market.Analyzes your wants and needs.Guides you to homes that fit your criteria.Coordinates the work of other needed professionals.Negotiates on your behalf.Checks and double-checks paperwork and deadlines.Solves any problems that may...
Whether to buy an existing home or have one built is yet another decision to make during the home-buying process. If you decide to go with new construction, a real estate agent can be a powerful advocate in your corner as you negotiate upgrades, a move-in date and other terms with the home builder.Below are some basic pointers to prepare you for the journey ahead.Selecting a builderShopping for a large...
Where you buy not only affects the home’s current and future value, but it also affects your lifestyle. Your agent will be able to conduct a more targeted home search if you outline your preferences in neighborhoods and nearby amenities. Here’s a checklist of items you should consider and communicate to your chosen real estate agent.* Urban, suburban or rural* Commute time* School districts* Desirable...