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October 11, 2017
When you’re trying to put a price tag on your home, determining its value is a given. But, what is value exactly? Two types of “value” will come up in the conversation around selling your home: assessed value and market value. They may seem similar but the numbers can be different, and they’re used in distinct ways. Understanding the two will give you an advantage as you sell your home. What Is Market Value? Market value refers to the likely price that a property will sell for, or what a buyer is willing to pay for. Market value can be based on many factors, like location and exterior and interior aspects, including lot size, condition of the home, energy efficiency, […]
October 4, 2017
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably accumulated a mass amount of stuff over the years. So, when it’s time to move, just thinking about transporting it all might bring on a panic attack. Moving is the best time to do a major clean-out of closets, drawers, and your entire space. The more you can purge, the better you’ll feel. Downsizing makes the move a lot easier, but it’s also freeing. Think About Your New Space Are you moving to a bigger or smaller place? Keep this in mind as you consider what to take. Consider what will fit and what style you’re going for, and get rid of what won’t fit or work in your new space. Think about […]
September 21, 2017
Getting Back to Normal After a Hurricane Everyone talks about preparing for hurricanes: making sure you have enough water, batteries and lots of lanterns for when the power goes out, and all of your important documents safe and ziplocked. But not enough attention is given to what happens once the storm passes. With any luck, Irma just left you with some debris and a few hot nights without power. But even if that’s the case, it’s still important to check your property thoroughly in case there was some damage. Your Roof First, check your roof for any damage or missing tiles. If you have any, make sure to take multiple pictures in case you need to make an insurance claim. […]
September 19, 2017
When you’re listing your home, there is so much to do that it can be easy to forget something. You’ll probably remember the big things like making some quick repairs and staging your home. But smaller things may get overlooked. This checklist will help you remember everything you need to tackle as you get ready to sell your home. Review Your Online Listing Google your address and see what comes up, and be sure to look over your online listing. Make sure all of the information is correct and that the photos show off your home’s best features. Nearly all homebuyers start their searches online, so make sure your home will make a great first impression. List Out Improvements and […]
September 12, 2017
A beautiful, spa-like bathroom is alluring to buyers. You want them to envision themselves enjoying its luxuriousness every day of their lives. The reality is that most of us don’t have perfect bathrooms. So, if you’re selling your home, you need to do a little work to get buyers to fall in love with yours. Before you get too concerned: we’re not talking about a major remodel. Instead, you can really maximize and capitalize on the space you have. These staging tips will help you turn your bathroom in to a coveted oasis—and sell your home. Create a Blank Canvas Clear off all the countertops and remove all of your everyday toiletries, like soaps, toothbrushes, and other supplies. No one […]
September 5, 2017
So, you’ve found your dream home, and your offer was accepted. Congrats! Now, it’s time for the home inspection. A home inspection might seem worrisome. But, it’s a necessary step in the home-buying process, ensuring that you know exactly what’s going on within the bones of the house. Not all homebuyers fully understand how inspections work. Here are nine things you should know about them: Inspections Are (Technically) Optional. It may come as a surprise, but home inspections are not a required part of the real estate process. But, they are a great idea. You obviously want to know what you’re getting into, and an inspection will give you an idea of the home’s problems (whether it be a roof […]
August 29, 2017
Buying a home is a huge commitment. If you’re a commitment-phobe or just new to the process, it can seem incredibly overwhelming—maybe even terrifying. The most important first step is finding the right realtor to help guide you through the process. You can rely on your realtor’s expertise, but you also need to educate yourself on the home-buying process so that you understand what’s happening at every stage. These tips will help you get through the process of buying your first home like a pro. Get Preapproved for a Mortgage If you’re planning to take out a loan to buy your house, you need to talk to a lender about getting preapproved for a mortgage. Preapproval provides credibility to your […]
August 22, 2017
Hosting an open house is a great way to get lots of potential buyers through your door. You just need to make sure your home is ready to be seen. It’s important for buyers to envision how they will use your space. Sometimes the best way to prepare is to stage your home so that it looks inviting but not too lived in. To get ready for an open house, use these tips: Clean Up Too much stuff on the kitchen counter or other surfaces can turn buyers off. Clutter makes it hard for visitors to picture themselves and their stuff in your home. You should consider putting some of your excess things in storage. A thorough cleaning should be […]
August 15, 2017
The appraisal is one of the most intimidating parts of selling a home. It can also be one of the most confusing. Buyers and sellers rarely understand the purpose of an appraisal. Appraisals, which determine the value of a home, are usually required by mortgage companies and typically take place after a listing price has been determined and an offer has been made. The appraisal takes away any emotional attachment that the seller and buyer feel toward the house, because it assigns an unbiased value. If you’re a little unclear or confused about appraisals, here are five myths explained: The Appraisal Vs. the Inspection The appraisal and home inspection are often used as a safeguard for the buyer, but they […]