The Cost of Home Staging

The Cost of Home Staging

Have you wondered if you should consider professional staging for your home before you list it for sale? Most of us have wandered into new home developments and enjoyed the ambiance of a perfectly styled model home. Of course we would all like our homes to give that same impression to potential home buyers, but what would that cost? Understanding the options available to you for staging can help you decide what, if any, professional staging makes sense for you and your budget.

What is Staging?

First it’s important to understand what professional staging includes. The best answer is, “it depends”! Staging can be as simple as a consultation or as involved as removal of existing furniture and replacing it with designer furnishings.

Needless to say, the cost of the two extremes are drastically different. Most homeowners who hire professional stagers are somewhere in the middle.

Staging begins with a tour of the room or home. Often simple placement of furniture can make a huge impact. The stager might also bring in elements to enhance the décor, such as colorful pillows, lamps, wall art or carpet. These are loaned to the homeowner for the duration of the listing.

Cost of Staging

Most stagers charge a flat rate for the initial consultation; this ranges from about $250-500, depending on the size of the home. If the homeowner determines that they also need furnishings, these are rented by the month and can range from $300-500 per room, per month. Additionally, there is often a minimum number of months required, typically 3 months.

Professionally staging your home is one option home sellers have to ensure their home is seen in its best light. Just as buyers fall in love with model homes, staging your home can bring a modern feel and entice buyers to write the offer. The best way to start is with your agent, to understand your market, competition and needs.

As I hold a Home Staging Certification, I do include staging as part of our marketing consultation. Make your appointment today!

Top Tips When Buying Vacant Land

Top Tips When Buying Vacant Land

Building a new home from scratch can be a dream come true. The idea of designing the perfect property with morning sun in the kitchen and evening breezes on the deck can be exhilarating; the first step to a successful project is finding the right piece of land on which to build. This can present challenges if not approached correctly.

Top Tips When Buying Vacant Land

• Hire Experience – More than most real estate transactions, it’s critical to hire an agent who understands and has experience in vacant land purchases and can guide you through the steps.

• Expect to Pay Cash – Finding a lender for vacant land can be very difficult. Those who will finance land typically require a 50% or higher down payment and above average interest rates and terms.

• Get the Neighborhood Comps – Do not neglect to understand home values in the community so you do not over, or under, build your home.

• Do Your Due Diligence – It is critical to research the property thoroughly. Just a few considerations much include.

  • Site Surveys and Environmental Testing

  • Easements and Zoning Restrictions

  • Lot Survey and Boundaries

  • Utilities and Water Rights

Once you’ve completed these preliminary reviews, it’s time to consult with an architect and General Contractor who will then begin to develop concept drawings to consider. Even at this stage, you might find that the home you want is not appropriate for the land you’ve chosen. Staying flexible is a key component to searching for land; remember that by following a few tips, you can ensure you find the right lot for your dream home.

What Does "Move-In-Ready" Really Mean?

What Does “Move-in Ready” Really Mean?

If you’ve been searching for a new home no doubt you’ve seen the term, “move- in ready.” This description sounds very appealing, but understanding what it actually means is important so you have the right expectations when arranging your home listing tour.

First it’s important to remember that the descriptions in real estate listings are written by the listing agent or broker. There is no set industry standard for what agents can say in their listings. While there are guidelines and rules which prevent blatant lying, most home buyers have become aware of the fluffy language used to market a home for sale.

The meaning of “move-in ready” is fairly straightforward; it means that the home is in a condition which is acceptable for immediate occupancy. The home meets the standards of living and assures the buyer that the essential elements needed to occupy the home are present and in running condition. For example, the home should have working plumbing, appliances, sound roof, electricity, gas and locking doors and windows.

What “move-in ready” does not necessarily mean is that the home is in pristine condition. A home that is “move-in ready” might still need significant updating and while systems are assumed to be operational, they might still be old or outdated.

“Move-in ready” is a common phrase in real estate listings. Understanding that the home might still need quite a bit of work to suit your taste and lifestyle, you can approach the listing with realistic expectations and determine if the property is the right fit for your needs.

3 Must-Do's Before Listing Your Home For Sale

3 Must-Do's Before Listing Your House for Sale

Before you list your home for sale, it’s time to do a little work around the house – to prepare and make sure your home is seen in the best possible light. These “must-do” items are about showing your home to buyers as one which is cared for and ready for them to add their own brand of home to the space. Taking a little time up front can mean thousands of dollars as buyers start writing their offers.

3 Must-Do’s Before Listing Your House for Sale

1.      Declutter, Depersonalize and Clean – This is the time to take spring cleaning seriously, in any season. Clear out all unnecessary items from the home; closets, drawers, extra clothes, old unwanted furniture. Donate to charity, hire a dumpster or rent a storage space; buyers will look in every space and open all drawers and cabinets, make sure your home seems spacious. Spend some time to depersonalize by removing excessive pictures and hide heirlooms. Finally, deep clean every space top to bottom.

2.      Address Deferred Maintenance – Make small repairs or hire a handyman to take care of problems which could appear during the home inspection. Replace caulking, fix broken windows and screens, replace light bulbs and freshen up and clean grout; buyers want to see a home that is cared for with “good bones.”

3.      Go for Curb Appeal – Spend some time in the yard. Trim bushes and trees, clean and repair hardscape and make sure there is adequate lighting. Welcome your buyers with seasonal flowers or décor and place a fresh mat by the front door.

Before you put that sign in the front yard, spend a little time and elbow grease to make sure you welcome your potential buyers with the best version of your home.

Maximizing Space in a Small Kitchen

Maximizing Space in a Small Kitchen

A small kitchen doesn’t have to mean dark or cramped, you can maximize a small kitchen by using these clever tips. From tricking the eye to great ways to get extra storage, these easy design ideas will help you love your small kitchen.

• Tone on Tone Colors Scheme – Trick the eye by using subtle variations of the same color palate.

• Strategic Shelving – Add a shelf above the backsplash to add room for spices or décor; place on a wall to display glasses or dishware and gain extra storage in the process.

• Design with an Island – If possible, open a closed off kitchen to the family or breakfast room, use an island as double duty by adding a breakfast bar on one side and sink, dishwasher and storage on the other.

• Tile a Whole Wall – Consider making a blank wall a focal point by tiling the space floor to ceiling. Glossy tile brings interest and light to the kitchen.

• Big Style Elements – There is no need to shy away from large fixtures simply because the space is smaller. Large retro pendant lights are a great way to not only light the space but add interest and a modern vibe to the kitchen.

• Seek Extra Storage – There is plenty of hidden storage opportunities in most kitchens. Pull out drawers are a great way to access the recessed areas of pantries and cabinets.

Small kitchens can be just as inviting as their spacious counterparts. With a little creativity and stagecraft, your kitchen can be the heart of the home, at any size.

Easter Dinner Take Out

Not in the mood to cook this Easter Sunday?

I certainly am not interested in cooking Easter dinner so I made some inquiries, did some research and thought I would share with you the results for who has special Easter dinner offerings!

Here are some local Montgomery County restaurants offering special menus for Easter.

Please note: You may need to call a day or more in advance to order.

1. Piero’s Italian Restaurant- Website

   3500 Reading Way, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

   Phone (215) 947-3650

2. The Capital Grille- Website

236 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, PA 19406

(610) 265-1415

See website for menu.

3. Spring House Tavern- Website

1032 Bethlehem Pike Spring House, PA 19477

215-646-1788

Pick-up times will be from 12PM – 4PM on Easter.  Place your orders by Friday, April 10th by calling 215-646-1788.

4. Na Brasa / Iron Abbey- Website

680 N. Easton Rd., Horsham, PA 19044

(215) 956-9600

5. Iron Hill Brewery- Website

Locations in: Huntingdon Valley, North Wales, Ardmore, Chestnut Hill, Philly, Media.

From Their Website:

While social distancing will keep us all away from gathering with family and friends this holiday, let us add some joy to your table with a family-style Easter dinner for four, for just $38! Place your order by Thursday, April 9th for pick up on Saturday, April 11th. Then, just warm and serve.

Easter Menu

Sliced Applewood Smoked Hamserved with honey glaze 

Smashed Yukon Gold PotatoesButtery Haricot VertsToasted French Bread  

Add a growler of any of our draft beer selections for $12

6. Bacco’s Ristorante- Website

I love Bacco’s :) If you haven’t tried them before, consider doing their regular menu for take out one day!

FAMILY-STYLE MEALS FOR PICK-UP.
ORDER BY 3 P.M. THURSDAY, APRIL 9 FOR PICKUP ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11 BETWEEN 4 AND 9 P.M.

To order call (248) 356-6600 or email dean@baccoristorante.com

All dinners include a quart of soup and mista salad, choice of gelato, tiramisu or torta banana for dessert.

MAIN

BRAISED LAMB SHANK
spring peas | polenta
100 for four | 140 for six

LASAGNA DINNER
50 for four | 65 for six

CHICKEN ALLA NONA
potatoes | sausage | white wine
60 for 4 | 90 for 6

BRAISED SAUSAGE & BEANS
48 for 4 | 64 for 6

BEEF BRISKET RAGU
45 FOR 4 | 64 FOR 6

CAVATELLI VERDE
veal | pea ragu
45 for 4 | 65 FOR 6

SALADS

GERMOLIGIO
CAESAR
ITLAIANA
30 for 4 | 50 for 6

CONTORNI
asparagus | potoato | zucchini
8 person

WINES

Marramiero Dama Montepulciano 16
Marramiero Dama Trebbiano 16

Other places rumored to have Easter Dinner Specials but I can’t find any web presence for them:

Keep Restaurant in Jenkintown

Bernie’s in Glenside or Hatboro

William Penn Inn in Gwynedd is already sold out :(


Email me with any other restaurant suggestions for Easter! Shaina@MontCoLiving.com

Down Payments Explained

Down Payments Explained

A down payment is the amount of cash a home buyer puts toward the price of a new home. It accomplishes a few things; first it reduces the amount of money you need to borrow and it reduces the risk the lender takes in loaning the money. By reducing the risk, the borrower will typically get a better interest rate on the loan and increase the amount of home they can buy.

How Large a Down Payment Do You Need?

The amount of down payment needed depends on the type of the loan, the lender and the property price itself. While most of the 0% down home loans of the last decade are gone, Veterans can still purchase a home loan with no down payment. Other programs include FHA loans with as little as 3.5% down.

Conventional loans typically require a 20% down payment, but some allow as little as 5%.

Is it Better to Make a Larger Down Payment?

In addition to the down payment, buying a home also requires cash for closing costs and some reserve savings to guard against unexpected financial concerns. One thing to remember though is that any financing with less than 20% down will require private mortgage insurance – a monthly payment which protects the lender in the event of default.

The best amount of down payment should be determined in consultation with your lender and your tax or financial advisor, but the quick answer is “it depends.” By working with a trusted lender, explore your options and you will make the best decision for your needs.

Ask me for the Homebuyer Guide which includes a list of local lenders recommended by past clients

What Type of Mortgage is Right for Me?

What Type of Mortgage is Right for Me?

When our parents were buying their first home, there was one way to finance the purchase. You would walk down to the corner bank and asked for a 30 year mortgage. Today the average home owner moves every 5-7 years. Depending on your needs there are a number of mortgage options you might consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, spending some time to understand the options is the best way to choose the right loan for your needs.

While loan programs and terms vary, the most common are:

·      Conventional - A conventional loan is normally still designed to be paid off in 30 years with equal monthly payments during the term of the loan. There are currently conventional loans that require as little as 5% down, although 20-25% is still commonplace.

·      FHA - An FHA loan is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration and is attractive for a number of reasons, especially for the first time home buyer. The down payment can be as little as 3.5% and that can be a gift.

·      VA - VA (Veteran Affairs) is a loan program offered for Veterans and their spouses. While the terms can vary from 0-5% down payment, this loan may allow the borrower to finance as much as 100% of the home’s value in the loan.

Your lender will also have more specialized options for you, such as adjustable rate loans and 10 or 15 year loans. They can also explain the additional costs that could be associated with each type of loan program.

Part of purchasing a home is to find the right financing. Your lender will talk you through your options. If you have not already spoken to a lender, or if you need a referral, your real estate agent is a great resource for you.

Ask me for my Home Buyer Guide which includes information on local lenders recommended by past clients

Why do Homes Listed with Professional Real Estate Photos Sell Quicker and For More Money?

Why do Homes Listed with Professional Real Estate Photos Sell Quicker and For More Money?

If you are planning to list your home for sale, you probably already know that you need to prepare your home for the market. The point is to create the most attractive, welcoming version of your home to entice buyers into the home and encourage offers. Your listing needs attention also! Professional photography is the best way to attract those buyers and to ensure you get the best possible price in the shortest timeframe.

Most buyers now start their home search online. Online listings with professional photography receive significantly more views than those without. Buyers tend to linger on the site longer as well.

Professional photographers do far more than snap pictures with the right lens. They understand how to create the right emotional response in the viewers. They have experience working with listings and homes and normally they specialize in real estate.

You already know that homes must be staged to some degree for sale. Buyers must be able to envision themselves living in your home. Photography is about lighting and angles. A good photographer can bring out the best in your home by using these techniques in their shots. Professional pictures can play with light and position to allow your home to appear spacious and bright.

Professional photography is no longer reserved for luxury property listings. More and more agents are seeing the value of beautiful pictures. Make sure your home stands out among the sea of listings as potential buyers sort through properties online. Professional photography will help you sell your home faster and for a higher sales price than those without. Present your home in the best possible light to attract those buyers and encourage them to visit and write you an offer.

Photos are included for all my sellers! You never have to worry about cutting corners when it comes to my professionalism and expertise when marketing your home. Reach out today to make an appointment!

The Home Selling Process

The Home Selling Process

Are you planning to sell your home? Regardless if this is your first time as a home seller, or maybe you’ve sold many homes, understanding the selling process can assure you that things are going smoothly. Successful transactions don’t just happen; it takes experience and professionals to navigate from staging to closing.

Who Do You Need?

• Real Estate Agent – Before you start, meet to discuss your home sale. Your real estate agent should have experience and put your interests before their own (contact me to find out more).

Timeline For Your Home Sale

• Meeting With Your Agent – Your agent will tour your home and discuss your market value (including a comparative market analysis), timing and financial goals in order to create a custom plan for selling your home.

• Preparing Your Home For Sale - Typically even a dated home can be spruced up with small changes in furniture placement, fresh paint, new lighting and/or minor repairs.

• Listing Your House - Once your home is ready for buyers, you will list your home and your agent will implement their marketing plan.

• Offers - Once offers are received, you will meet with your agent to review them together and determine how to respond.

• Escrow Process For Sellers – The buyers will complete funding requirements, obtain an appraisal and home inspection. As the seller you will also complete any conditions you’ve agreed to, such as repairs or maintenance items.

• Closing – Once all conditions have been completed, you will close the sale and receive the proceeds.

The sales process is a series of steps that you and your agent will take together. Knowing what to expect, and when, can alleviate the uncertainty you might feel as a seller. Each sale is unique which is why a professional and experienced real estate agent is imperative to guide you through the transaction.

Contact me today to get started!