Seller Information
February 13, 2018
Buying a home is all about negotiation. Even though you most likely have a realtor to help you through the process (link to previous blog), you should learn some solid research skills to prepare yourself for the negotiation. When you’re buying a house, you want the best price. To get the best deal on the home you’ve always dreamed of, you need to know how to negotiate, when to stick to your guns, and when to wave your white flag and surrender. Here are some tips to help you master your negotiation skills: Familiarize yourself with the market The No. 1 rule when beginning the home-buying process is to know your market. You’ll have a better chance at negotiating when […]
February 6, 2018
It’s tempting to do everything yourself. The sense of satisfaction of doing it on your own, whether you’re changing your oil or fixing a fence, is meaningful. That’s why I completely understand when people want to sell their house on their own. The accomplishment of securing a contract on your own feels great…but it often doesn’t make financial sense. The commission on selling a home with a Realtor is often 6%, which adds up to $30,000 for a $500,000 house. And while everyone should be keen to save $30k, the reality is that isn’t likely to be what you’re saving. If the buyer is using an agent, you need to cut that in half. What’s more, a good Realtor can often get […]
January 2, 2018
It is tough to decide to move from your home to a smaller one, especially after you’ve watched your family grow up in your home. It’s often the most practical decision you can make. Here are four signs that you’re ready to downsize from your large family home. It’s too much maintenance If there’s a room that no one goes in except to clean it, it may be time to downsize. Large homes are, at times, difficult to keep up. Big homes often come with big yards, which can be an issue, unless you enjoy yard work. Sometimes the maintenance of a large home can leave you feeling worn out and exhausted. When the upkeep becomes too much, living in […]
December 27, 2017
A wish list helps you focus your search and keeps you from wasting time. As much focus as your wish list gives you, it’s also likely impossible to check off everything that’s on the list. You want to be a little flexible, but there are some things you’ll want to dig your heels in on. Here are some things you should never compromise on when looking for a home. Getting a Fixer-Upper It’s happened before to our clients and it will happen again: going into a search looking for a home with zero projects and falling in love with a fixer-upper. Now, there is nothing necessarily wrong with it, but if you don’t have experience with fixer-uppers, it’s something to […]
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 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 […]