Getting ready for the Spring Market

Ever Wonder what your House is Worth???

Thinking of moving in the next 1-5 years? Want to know the value of your home? Contact us and we’ll put you in touch with a trusted real estate professional who can perform a complimentary market value research! It’s completely free, but a priceless planning tool!

 

 

 

Curb appeal versus cash appeal

We all want to know how to sell our house as fast as possible and get the most cash out of the transaction.  Let’s assume that you have some money to invest in to the property to “dress it up.”  There are specific investments to consider to achieve your goals.Curb appeal helps to sell a property faster by making it more Marketable.  An attractive house is appealing to the eyes of potential buyers.

Use a pressure cleaner to clean any stains or paint your home if necessary.  This greatly adds to curb appeal. Most tools can be rented from a local hardware store.  You can get cash for your house quick if buyers are more enticed to look inside.

Light up the path and landscaping. Outside lighting contributes greatly to the attractiveness of your home. This will aid in selling your house. It adds to the attractiveness and security features.  Add a few tasteful decorations to your areas that have plants.  Keep it simple though. Gaudy does not sell, and house buyers all have different taste.

Place plants and shrubbery where it accentuates your house. You can make it more inviting with colorful plants or flowers, or shrubs that align with the walkway or accent the front door.  Just be careful.  Step back and take a look from a distance.  Make sure they do not cover up any strong accent points, like windows and doors.  Good landscaping is a great selling point. Keep your existing plants or shrubbery weeded and trimmed.

Make sure your windows are in good repair and clean. Accent them with trim, or repair trim if necessary. Make your porch or front area enticing by adding some seating and a small table. Put a pretty flower in the middle.  Make it look like a new homeowner would love to sit outside and enjoy the yard.  Put a new Welcome mat at the front door.  This will give the new potential owner a feeling of warmth and hominess.

Keep everything spotlessly clean and remove all clutter throughout your house, including stacks of magazines and papers. Some pieces of furniture may need to be removed to enhance the sense of space. This will help the potential owners imagine they live there.  Realtors love to sell homes that look as if they have not been lived in.  Keep it simple, but homey. You can sell your house quick using curb appeal that will attract many house buyers.

The condition and appearance of your home can affect our ability to get you the best price. Is your home in good condition inside and out? A buyer doesn't want to have to do anything except move in. Small repairs often don’t cost much, but they can make a big difference. Remember that buyers can be motivated by emotional factors (appearance, aromas, the  mood ) as much as financial ones. Before you begin marketing your house, consider taking these few important steps. They are easy, inexpensive ways to help you make your home look its best and more appealing to prospective buyers.

Small flaws in a house can distract a prospective buyer and make him or her wonder about hidden problems. Freshen up paint, refinish wood or tile floors, clean or replace carpeting, and replace worn wallpaper. Repair or replace loose knobs or handles, broken or loose locks, cracked windows, broken screens, and damaged doors.

The kitchen may be the most important room in the house, so help it appear roomy, clean, and bright. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and cabinets will make them appear spotless. Make sure all appliances are clean and that the sink is stain-free and not leaking or dripping. Clear away clutter on all countertops. Repair or replace broken drawers or cabinet doors. Consider replacing cabinet hardware or an old faucet these small changes can improve the look of the entire kitchen.

Touch-up caulking around tubs and showers. Make sure all bathroom surfaces, including the floors are clean.  If you have the money and time, upgrade your current bathrooms or put an additional bathroom in.If you have a garage or a basement, patch or repair walls and doors, and consider painting the floor. Brighten a dark basement with light-colored paint.

As a final note, if you’re at home when an agent and potential buyer arrive, leave if you can (children, relatives, friends, and staff should leave as well).  Buyers often don’t feel comfortable viewing a home when the owner is there, and their uneasiness might cause them to overlook some of your home’s best features.