5 Commonly Overlooked Items to Address Before Listing Your Home for Sale

  Selling your home is a significant step and one of large financialconsequences. Of course, you want to maximize your profit to allow you toachieve your future goals. You are aware that you need to make sure thehome is in good condition and has “curb appeal,” but there are somecommonly overlooked items to address before you list. 5 Commonly Overlooked Items 1. Light Fixtures and Bulbs – Burned-out bulbs or non-functioningoutlets and fixtures can negatively impact a buyer’s perception of yourhome. 2. HVAC System – Before you list, have your heating, ventilation, andair-conditioning (HVAC) system serviced. Change the filters and ensure allis in good working condition. 3. Plumbing – Slow drains or running toilets are red flags for buyers.Snake your drains and replace old fixtures. Check for leaks and make anyneeded repairs before buyers notice issues. 4. Paint Touch-Ups – Most of the time a full repaint is not necessary butreview high-traffic areas for signs of wear and tear. If possible, touch-upwalls, banisters, and other areas where fingerprints or dirt is present. 5. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Replace batteries and testall sensors. Not only is this important to buyers, but properly functioningdetectors are important safety features for you and your family as well. These items will be essential elements of the home inspection once youhave a contract with a potential buyer. They may notice during the homevisit, but by addressing them upfront, you avoid the questions during theinspection period and reassure your buyers that the home has been caredfor and is in good condition.

Buyer’s Don’t Let “As Is” Scare You!

                                      Seeing “as is” on a home listing can make some homebuyers nervous. Thefirst thought often is, “what’s wrong with the home”? In fact, the term “as is”should not scare you away from a home that otherwise looks like a good fit.Understanding the term, its use, and how to approach the situation canlead to a great deal and good investment. First, “as is” does not necessarily mean “fixer-upper,” even though this is acommon belief. Most often, the term “as is” is simply the seller’s way ofletting prospective buyers know that they do not want to be botheredmaking minor repairs. Writing an offer on an “as is” listing does not mean that you agree to takethe home in any condition, nor waive your right to have inspections. It’simportant to do thorough inspections and investigations of any home youconsider buying. After carefully reviewing the condition of the home, youcan still request repairs or credits during your inspection period, even on an“as is” home listing. The sellers may or may not agree to do some repairsfor major issues to ensure the conclusion of the sale. Finally, some homes are in such poor condition that the “as is” descriptionis a true warning. These homes may not qualify for traditional financing andrequire serious consideration about the cost and effort to repair. Most of thetime, if the home appears to suit your needs, you can feel confident movingforward with the process. “As is” does not need to be scary and it does notmean you can’t still make informed decisions after an inspection.

How To Get Designer Looks For Your Home On A Budget

  Who doesn’t love to spend time browsing through home magazines? Everyseason there are new looks and trends. While some are easy to achievewith a little paint, others would require extensive redecorating and design.A trip to the mall with high-end home stores is not helpful either. Unless youare prepared to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on new items,these stores are disappointments. Fortunately, there are other ways toachieve the latest look without the designer price tag. First, did you know that many of those national high-end home stores alsoown lower-priced chains? These Big Box-style stores, like Target andWalmart, often carry more affordable versions of the high-end stores.These stores thrive on repeat business, and what better way to getcustomers to keep coming back than to show them new and trendy itemseach time? Another great way to update your look may surprise you – thrift and antiquemalls. You have heard the expression, “Everything old is new again.” Acareful look at those style magazines may reveal vintage looks, like therevival of Mid-Century Modern and Vintage Chic. Often discarded itemsfrom their original trend can be found in thrift and antique stores.Finally, re-upholstery and refinishing can be an option. Professionally done,this is more expensive than some other tips, but still less than buying theirnew counterparts. If you find a trend you like, it may be worth investing innew coverings and finishes. Style does not have to cost a fortune. Simple changes can be made with aquick trip to the local chain store this weekend. As fall approaches, it’s timeto find some inspiration and then find the deals

Should I Use A Friend As My Real Estate Agent?

There are lots of articles warning people about the problem of using a friend as a real estate agent. Concerns range from their level of experience to the impact it may have on their friendship if something goes wrong. While it is important to use an agent, friend or not, who is experienced and professional, using a friend might be a benefit. There are many benefits to using a friend as your agent.   · Trust – First and foremost, it’s critical to trust your agent. Using a friend assumes a pre-existing level of trust that should ensure transparency throughout the process.   · Personalized Service – A friend is likely to offer a highly personalized service level, customized to your needs and preferences.   · Understanding – A friend will understand your lifestyle, desires, and priorities. They can better advise you on the best course during the real estate process.   · Comfort Level – Along with trust, working with friends assumes a certain comfort level. You may find that sharing your fears and needs is easier with a friend.   · Flexibility – A friend will often be more flexible with their schedules and approach.   · Loyalty – Finally, friends want the best for you. They will not push a poor deal forward just to get a commission. They will advocate strongly for you and ensure your interests are protected.   Using a friend could be a big advantage in a real estate transaction. However there could also be concerns about maintaining the relationship if the process has challenges. Be upfront with your concerns and discuss in advance how to address them. This way, you will have strong representation during the transaction.