8 Things Buyers Notice

8 Things Buyers Notice as Soon as they Walk In

Buyers notice everything – good and bad. From the moment they walk in the front door, they are trying to determine if this is the right home for them and their family. If you have your home listed for sale, paying attention to what the buyers notice can mean the difference between an offer and a missed opportunity.

8 Things Buyers Notice as Soon as they Walk In

1.     Light – A bright home is inviting. Make sure you fill your home with lots of natural light or a soft evening glow.

2.     Smell – Nothing is less inviting than a strong odor. Even candles and air fresheners can be overwhelming. Less is more and make sure nothing unpleasant is lingering.

3.     Space – Remove any unneeded furniture and offer a spacious home which flows.

4.     Ceilings – Of course you can’t make your ceilings higher, but make sure they are free from water stains because buyers will look up.

5.     Pictures and Personal Items – Remove personalization as much as possible so the buyers can imagine their family in the home.

6.     Outdated Furnishings and Fixtures – If your home is filled with hand-me-downs, consider a professional stager. Old wall paper or outdated paint colors should be replaced as well.

7.     Dirty, Grimy Rooms – Most important, clean everything thoroughly. Nothing is less appealing than a dirty home.

Top 7 Winter DIY Projects

Top 7 Winter DIY Projects

Winter months bring cold days and long nights. While you wait for the weather to warm up so you can get out into the garden, there are still plenty of great DIY projects to tackle, even in the winter. Here are 7 terrific ideas for the Do it Yourselfer in you.

1.     Paint Your Walls – Paint an accent wall or an entire room with a fresh color.

2.     Declutter – Sure this sounds like a fancy name for house cleaning, but decluttering is more than that. Remove excess furnishings to make your rooms seem larger and more inviting.

3.     Update Your Kitchen –A new backsplash or cabinet pulls can quickly change the look and feel of your kitchen.

4.     Add Insulation – This will provide instant satisfaction as those cold, drafty rooms feel warm and cozy. If you have some real skill, you can include changing out old windows or doors as well.

5.     Smarten Up – This is a great time to automate your home with Smart devices. Add security cameras, a smart thermostat or smart lights and plugs.

6.     Build Something – For the handy, winter months are a great time to add cabinets, a TV hutch or bookshelves to your home.

7.     Re-Grout Your Tile – From kitchen counters to floors, re-grouting can freshen up the room.

How To Choose The Right Light Fixture for the Space

How to Choose the Right Sized Light Fixture for Your Space

Lighting is one of the most important design elements in any room. Not only should it provide adequate brightness for the room, but it must fit the space and visual atmosphere. The right sized fixture is just as important as the look and construction of the light. Fortunately, even an amateur can choose the perfect fixture with some basic math.

Front Door

Outdoor fixtures are one part of creating the mood for the entire home. Not only should they provide proper lighting but must fit the scale of the door itself. To find the right sized light for the front entrance, it should be no more than one third of the size of the door or opening for a single light and not more than a quarter of the size for dual lights.

Chandelier

Dining rooms call out for a chandelier. Whether modern and sleek or an elegant crystal chandelier, the size is the same. Take the size of the room and add the feet together. For example, if the room is 10’ by 12’ the chandelier’s width should be 22”. Additionally, make sure the width is about 15” shorter than the dining room table.

For other rooms, the size is really more a matter of taste. The light should not create a visual barrier to the room or block design elements, but other than that, choose a light with provides good light and fits the style of the space.

Want a beautiful statement piece? Why not check out www.DouniaHome.com for local artisan lighting!

Tips for Buying and Selling at The Same Time

Tips for Buying and Selling at the Same Time

Either buying or selling a home can be extremely stressful, it can be even more overwhelming if one is trying to do both at the same time. The good news is that this happens all the time and by following a few simple tips, both buying and selling can be a seamless process.

Tips for Buying and Selling at the Same Time

The good news is that you’re planning to move any way. Before you list your home for sale, why not start packing now? Take personal items and excess furnishings and pack them up and move them to storage. Not only will your home look larger and neater, you are getting a start on the move.

Next make sure your agent, or agents, understands the timeline and requirements. There are many standard contingencies which can protect you from owning two homes at once, or none at all. Not only can the purchase of your new home be contingent on successfully closing on your current one but you can also reverse the process and ensure you find a replacement before the close as well.

Finally, get the entire family involved. Be excited about the change and create a moving plan in which everyone has a task and there is a plan for the move itself. By taking a few initial steps, moving can be fun and easy.

7 Home Buying Myths

Home Buying Myths

Buying a home can seem like a huge undertaking. You don’t need to be a first time home buyer to find the process overwhelming. There is so much information available, how can you tell what’s true and what’s a myth? Understanding the difference can help you make the best decision for you and your family goals.

Top Home Buying Myths – And the Truth

·    The First Step is finding the Right House – Before you head out shopping, speak with a lender to understand your financial options and how much house you can afford.

·      You Can’t Buy a Home Without Perfect Credit – The truth is there are many loans available which still offer good interest rates for those without that perfect score.

·      You Need 20% Down Payment – First time home buyers can use FHA financing for as low as 3.5% down. There are other programs too, such as VA and some conventional loans with less than 20% down also.

·      You Don’t Need an Agent – An agent not only knows the market and can help you with value, but also customary charges, negotiations and solutions to common hiccups.

·      Schools Don’t Matter if you don’t have Kids – The neighborhood is always important to home values, regardless of whether you yourself have children.

·      New Homes Don’t Need a Home Inspection – Every home should have a home inspection by a licensed inspector to check for existing or potential problems.

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’re likely to make in your lifetime. Take the time you need to understand the process and learn from the professionals; don’t assume that everything you read is true.

4 Reasons Why You Need Your Own Agent When Buying New Construction

Top Reasons you Need Your Own Agent When Buying New Construction

Have you ever walked into the model home showroom of a brand new housing development? There is nothing more exciting than the prospect of building a home from scratch and starting absolutely fresh in a new space. You get to pick the colors of the carpet, choose the countertops and flooring and watch as the home goes up. The nice sales people in the showroom are happy to help you through the process, but did you know that you can bring your own real estate agent to represent you? Yes you can and here are the top reasons why you should have your own agent.

• Choose the Right Development – It’s not enough to find a lovely development; understanding the neighborhood and schools play a big part of home values.

• Choose the Right Lot – You might love the corner lot, but your agent can help you consider resale before you buy.

• Consider the Cost of Upgrades – Not all upgrades should be handled through the sales office; your agent can help you understand customary costs for upgrades.

• Contact Negotiation – Did you know that the price and terms of new construction homes can be negotiated? Your agent can get you the best deal.

• Contact Review – Your agent will ensure everything is written correctly in the contract.

• Home Inspection – Your agent will arrange a professional home inspection.

• Your Agent is Free – All this representation and help, yet the home development pays their commission.

New home construction is fun! Take advantage of all the benefits having your own agent representation brings and let the housing development pay for it. For most builders, you will have to bring your agent at first meeting in order to be able to work with her!

Top Reasons Your House Expired

Top Reasons Your House Expired

There’s nothing more discouraging than having your listing expire. You’ve gone to all the trouble of staging your home, spending weekends and evenings running out the door to accommodate last minute showings and have nothing to show for it. The good news is there are real reasons why your home didn’t sell. Understanding these reasons can help you do things differently when you relist.

• Condition – Most home buyers are able to see beyond slight imperfections, but it’s important to offer a clean, neat home free from chipping paint, clutter and debris.

• Photographs – Most of today’s buyers start their home online, you must showcase your home through media first in order to entice the buyers to make an appointment.

• Price – One of the worst things a seller can do is “test the waters.” Many buyers will write off the home because they view you as unrealistic. After a listing has been on the market for a while, buyers then assume there is something wrong with the home, when in fact the sellers are just waiting for an offer.

• Poor Exposure – Homes don’t sell themselves, buyers need to see the home. Make showings easy by using a lockbox and allowing your agent to hold open houses.

• Wrong Agent – Not all agents are alike. The agent needs to be actively involved in the sale, not simply waiting for offers to land in their inbox.

Avoid the frustrating experience of having your home listing expire by understanding ahead of time the possible issues which can cause the listing to sit on the market. Knowing the possible pitfalls reduces the chance of an expiring listing and helps you sell your home for a great price and terrific terms.

Contact me and find out why you need a pro-active real estate agent representing your home sale.

The Internet Isn't Your Agent

The Internet Can’t Replace Your Agent 

We live in the information age; the Internet offers advice on every topic and real estate is no exception. With more and more home buyers starting their home search online, they are bombarded with advice and information – it can be easy to think that you can learn everything you need to know just by reading articles online.

The truth is your real estate agent does much more than answer your questions and open doors with a special key. A professional real estate agent will be there every step of the way. They have the experience necessary to navigate the complicated home buying process and solve common hiccups that present themselves in every real estate transactions.

Your real estate agent is a local professional. They will start by presenting themselves to the buyer’s agent as someone who will work with them to see the transaction through to a successful conclusion. They have a network of professionals who will work as a team to help you through the process. These include such professionals as: lenders, title reps, escrow officers, transaction coordinators, home inspectors, contractors and handymen, among others.

Most importantly, your agent is your ally in the home buying process. They negotiate on your behalf – armed with experience and understanding of customary charges, costs and terms.

They will ensure that the price you pay for the home is fair for the condition and neighborhood. They will negotiate repairs, if needed and make sure you are protected with the proper contingencies.

The Internet offers lots of great information, but the most important step you can take when buying a new home, is hiring a local professional real estate agent. Their knowledge and expertise can’t be found by reading an article or two online.

Contact me today with your questions, concerns, or anything else.

Is A Bigger House Really Better?

Is a Bigger House Really Better?

If you are looking for your next home, it’s naturally to assume that you should buy the biggest home you can afford. Certainly if you need a big home, then this is the right decision, but if not then there are other ways to maximize your investment that doesn’t include more square feet.

Bigger isn’t always better. If you don’t need 4 bedrooms, then why spend your money on that? There are many other ways to spend your money.

·      View – View homes will always command higher sales prices than those without. If you enjoy a distant vista, use your money for a view and enjoy better returns when you sell.

·      Space – Space is not only counted in square footage, lot size also adds value and enjoyment to a home.

·      Amenities – Ask anyone who has looked at upscale retirement communities about amenities and how they contribute to qualify of life. Golf courses and lake front homes increase value as well as value.

·      Location – The old adage of location, location, location is true. From the craftsman cottage in the historic downtown to a trendy urban loft, choosing a home in the right location is critical to building value.

Choosing the right home is not simply about resale value, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about it. First and foremost choose a home that fits your needs and lifestyle, but if that’s not a huge house on the hill, there are other options that are just as good. The bigger house is not necessarily the best choice.

Tips For A Buyer of A Fixer Upper

Tips for a Buyer of a Fixer-Upper

Over the last few years weekend warriors have been delighted to find an abundance of television shows devoted to fixing up homes. More specifically, they show viewers how to take a fixer upper and turn it from an ugly duckling to a special property that they can call home. It sounds so easy but before you grab a sledge hammer and head out to buy that cheap bank- owned building on the corner, there are things to consider.

First and foremost, how handy are you really? Fixer-uppers can vary from cosmetic paint and carpet, maybe changing a countertop or fixtures; then there are fixers which have electrical problems and slab leaks. It’s important to understand what you are capable of handling – either yourself or supervisory level.

Tips for a Buyer of a Fixer-Upper

• Do Your Research – Don’t assume anything. Check for local ordinances and zones to make sure the plans you have for the property are truly available to you.     

• Hire a Professional – Regardless of your level of “handiness” you need professional help. Start with a professional home inspection and understand the true condition of the home.

• Know Your Limits – A great deal is only a deal if you can take on the project. Be honest with yourself. If you need to, hire a General Contractor to handle the renovation.

Fixer-uppers can be great investments. These properties can be converted to beautiful homes or flipped for quick profit, but either way, handled well these ugly ducklings will live up to the best episode of HGTV.