Wednesday, November 5, 2014

8 ways to make your home more valuable
 
Did you know that you could raise the value of your home exponentially by things that hardly cost you anything? Here are a few ways to help you raise the value of your home and to make your house quicker to sell.
 

 
  1. Make or update a home office: With a lot more people working from home, offices are becoming a requirement for a lot of homebuyers. Turn a den or an old office into a work sanctuary! Maybe some new windows, a fresh coat of paint or built in shelving, you're sure to reap in the rewards!!
  2. Redo the master suite: Master bedrooms are becoming a requirement for most home buyers. studies show that 33% more home buyers are more likely to buy a home if it has been renovated. "If you can work within the footprint of a house, you’re going to increase your return on investment." When buyers walk into a master bedroom, they want that cozy, open feeling with a big closet!
  3. Add a fireplace or two: It's a luxury, yes. but people want it. Not only does it look nice but it also lowers you electricity bill.
  4. Invest on a kitchen remodel:  Having the same old kitchen in a 1977 house is most likely to stop a house from selling. If you have the yardage, extend your kitchen into the backyard. Size matters when it comes to kitchens. the bigger the better! It might be expensive, but it will be a wonderful investment. It could make the difference between being able to sell your house or not.
  5. Add some spark to the landscaping: You could add a fire pit, or block out a part of the yard for entertainment, and to have friends over. Plant colorful flowers and trees in the front of the house.
  6. Finish that basement already!: This is a great way to add a lot of value to your home. So, Not everyone has a basement in their home, but if you do, and it’s unfinished, Finnish it! It could even double the amount of living space that you have right now. That is really helpful for family buyers.
  7. Remodel that bathroom. Once again the most important is the master bath. You could create separate his-and-her areas with separate sinks, you could update the tile or even add a skylight for natural lighting.
  8. Re-paint your home. Pick a neutral color, and paint every wall the same color. (if you’re trying to sell that is) This is a clean palette that make people feel like they can start from when they’re picturing when buying the house.

 
Best of luck!!
 

Monday, October 27, 2014

10 Reasons to Use a Real Estate Agent
 
 
A lot of people have the same debate when selling or buying a home, weather they should use a real estate agent or just try to sell or buy it by themselves. I have seen it go both ways, But which way is better for you? Here are 10 reasons why I will always use a real estate Agent.
  1. Real Estate Agents know all about the market. Real estate agents have access to the more recent market data, which means that they can give you the best and most realistic price for your home.  *Did you know that statistics show that you will pocket more money using a real estate agent to sell your home. that incudes after you pay them the commission!*
  2. Negotiating. One of the Hardest parts of buying or selling a home is Negotiating. Real Estate Agents know exactly how negotiating works, so they can find creative ways to negotiate to help you in your best interest.
  3. They coordinate and host all of the showings of your home. The real Estate Agents can become a lifesaver when in comes to doing the tasks you don't want to worry about. When selling your home, it's almost impossible to juggle showings, work, life, and trying to move out. It really helps to have one less worry on your shoulders.
  4.  Real Estate Agents offer more ways to find and sell homes. They have the latest scoop on what houses there are out there (even before it hits the MLS). Through relationships they can quickly find out the sellers situation and how to negotiate with them. "The National Association of Realtors studies show that 82% of real estate sale are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family, and personal contacts.
  5. Let's face it, Realtors know how to sell homes. Today, Prospective buyers usually expect professional videos and photos of your listing. let your Real Estate Agent handle staging and marketing your home. Also, let then screen candidates before you spend a lot of time cleaning for a showing. 
  6. They will also help you negotiate inspections. if your wanting to buy a new home, plan on your inspector to find things that need to be fixed before the deal is closed. your agent will help you wade through your inspection reports and decide which things really need to be fixed before the closing. The same goes for the selling side. Your agent will provide the same guidance when your buyer comes back with requests to fix things.
  7. A Real Estate agent that you trust will connect you with trusted partners. As you buy or sell a home you might just have to hire other professional services like, Moving companies, lawn services, plumbers, etc. Let your agent help you find good company's to work with.
  8. Closing a deal can be really confusing. To make sure you won't miss anything, your Real estate Agent will be with there every step of the way, and will explain each piece of paperwork before you sign.
  9. Your Real Estate Agent will help you stay objective. Weather buying or selling your home, it's important to stay objective during negations for you to get the best deal you can.
  10. Buy or sell your home quickly. Let's be honest if you've made that big decision you're ready to get the ball rolling! 
Just remember then when looking for a real estate agent you find one that is honest and that you can trust! If you have that then things will be a lot easier and you will feel satisfied.
Good luck!