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Sitting On the fence about selling your home?, but have misgivings, they may just be misunderstandings. Once you understand the process, prepare yourself for it and hire the right listing agent, you’ll have little to worry about.
While staging and cleaning the home is important, there are things to mull over right now, while you’re still deciding.
1. Determine your motivation for selling your home
If your motivation isn’t obvious, such as a job transfer or divorce, get clear on exactly why you want or need to sell the home. The reason that motivates you to sell will carry you from marketing to close of escrow. It is something to remind yourself of, to keep you motivated if times get tough during the sale process.
2. What would you like in a new home?
Decide exactly what you want in a new home. Put it on paper. Brainstorm with your spouse or partner and come up with at least two “must-have’s” for each of you, plus a list of items you really want but are willing to compromise on.
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Check out what is available in the neighborhoods you’ve been eying. Check on prices in those neighborhoods to see if they fit what you can afford.
3. You’ll need a real estate agent to help you market your home professionally
One of the worst mistakes we see many homeowners make is that they feel they have to hire the friend or relative who holds a real estate license. Loyalty is admirable, but not when there are hundreds of thousands of dollars and your future comfort on the line.
They may put your scheduling needs behind those of their “real” clients, assuming you’ll understand. It happens more than we care to think about. Then, there is always the chance that your Aunt Martha-the-real-estate-agent doesn’t do a good job. How will you fire her?
Finally, consider all the personal “stuff” divulged in the average real estate transaction. Do you really want Cousin Elmer knowing all that? Do yourself a favor and interview several agents for the job of marketing your home for sale.
Treat the presentation of the CMA, or market analysis, as a job interview. After all, you are interviewing someone for the job of selling your home. Furthermore, you are going to pay this person a substantial amount of money to do it. YOU are the boss, you are in the driver’s seat. Ask specific questions and keep asking until you get a suitable answer.
A final note about the agent interview: do not be intimidated by a pushy agent. If he or she hands you a pen, hand it right back, explaining that you still have other agents to interview.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
Summer is just around the corner and if you are wanting to sell your home here are some great tips to help you prepare. Potential buyers will judge your homes appearance from the street. A home with great curb appeal will get more viewings and better offers.
Assess your homes curb appeal by standing at the curb in front of your home. Take a good look at your home and property. Make a list of things that need updating or repair.
1. The roof and chimney
Inspect the roof of your home for missing, cracked, or curling shingles and have them replaced. Also check the metal flashing around chimney, any pipes, and skylights if you have them. It’s safer to use binoculars to examine the condition of your roof. How does the chimney look? If you have cracked or missing bricks, it’s time to call a chimney repair person. Repairs to a neglected chimney can be very expensive.
2. Walkways and driveways
Pressure wash your walkways and driveways. Do repairs to any cracks. If you have pavers and bricks that are damaged, you can flip them over and put them back in place. Freshen up the driveway with driveway filler and sealer. If your driveway is in bad condition with potholes and cracks, consider putting in a new one.
3. The front door
Replace worn weather stripping around the door and tighten loose hinges. Replace any hardware that is pitted, rusted, or broken. Don’t forget to caulk around trim if needed. What is the condition of the front door? Does it need paint or replacement? Think about changing the color of your front door. Do a quick search online to view what is trending with front door colors and design.
4. Windows and screens
Check the mechanics or all your windows to ensure they are working properly. Caulk any gaps. Repair or replace damaged screens. Replace any broken windows or hardware. If you want to get those windows clean and clear use this recipe for a cleaner.
Recipe
Fill up a bucket with 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of ammonia and add I gallon of hot water. Fill up a second bucket with warm water. Wash windows with the vinegar and ammonia solution first and then wash windows with the second bucket of warm water. Dry with squeegee. Hint. If you wash windows on a cloudy day, you are less likely to leave streaks.
5. Gutters and downspouts
Clear debris from your gutters and downspouts. Leaves and twigs can clog your gutters. Neglected gutters can pull away from the house and cause water leaks in your walls and roof. Keep the gutters clear to avoid water damage to the home. Ensure downspouts are pointing away from your foundation.
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6. Pressure wash the deck
Clean the deck with a deck cleaning solution, brush, and power washer. Stain or paint the deck if it is worn or peeling. Replace any rotting boards. Check to ensure your deck is safe and strong. Secure any loose railings. Let the deck dry for a few days before applying paint or stain to the surface.
7. Siding and trim
A home can look dingy and neglected when the exterior is dirty, worn and neglected. If your siding is covered in stains, it can be algae, mold, mildew, or fungus. If you live in a damp environment near a body of water, staining on siding is a common problem. Hose down the siding. Use a siding cleaner or a vinegar solution to remove the stains. Do this buy straying on the solution and then scrubbing with a brush and rinse. The results will look amazing and will make your home look well cared for and maintained. Check for any cracks, rot, or holes and repair so insects and dampness can’t enter the house.
8. Landscaping and lawn
Tidy up the flower bed and clear out weeds. Loosen the soil so it’s not too tightly packed. Use a spade to edge your garden beds. Top with soil or mulch. Trim back overgrown bushes and hedges. Fill in any bare spots on your lawn with seed or sod and don’t forget to water. A healthy lawn requires seasonal maintenance. Create a schedule for fertilizers and other additions. Hint. Fertilizers and weed killers work best if applied before a rainfall.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
Tips to Keep Your Home From Looking Dated. Home décor trends change so frequently that in no time your home can become outdated by today’s standards. Some of these design elements will go unnoticed or can be updated quickly like lighting fixtures, curtains and window treatments and paint color.
If you are planning a renovation to improve your homes resale value here are a few items to help you tackle the needed changes. Keep in mind that stainless steel appliances, neutral color décor, hardwood floors and subway tile never go out of style.
1. Popcorn Ceilings make a house look dated
Popcorn ceilings or textured ceilings were considered attractive from the 50’ to the late 80’s however, by the 1990’s they were found to contain asbestos. Removing popcorn ceilings is a messy job but will update the appearance of a room.
2. Heavy curtains or too many window treatments
Light weight and light-colored curtains are the rage today. The days of heavy curtains and poofy valances are a thing of the past. They collect dirt and dust and make a room look dark and daunting. Brighten up your rooms by allowing in more light.
3.Outdated hardware
Gold colored taps and faucets or brass fixtures and pulls on cabinets scream old fashioned and outdated décor. Select new hardware and fixtures that are chrome, black or stainless steel for a more modern décor choice.
4. Clutter Clutter Clutter
Modern décor is minimalistic and less is more. Decluttering your home is removing excess items from shelves, tables, and other surfaces. Put the kitchen appliances into cupboards out of sight to free up your countertops. Decluttering also gives a home a spacious and clean feel.
5. Outdated flooring
Nothing says outdated like carpeting throughout a home. Some people prefer carpet in bedrooms and rec-rooms but wall to wall carpeting is now a thing of the past. Today consumers use vinyl plank, laminate, or engineered hardwood floor.
Low maintenance vinyl or linoleum flooring looks cheap and dated. Consider adding an area rug to a room for a comfortable and stylish option instead of wall-to-wall carpet.
6. Wallpaper and borders
Wallpaper border was a huge trend in the 1990 and wallpaper for many years previous. However wallpaper can be stylish if you chose to do a statement wall. The days of wallpapering a whole home is considered a thing of the past. Some homeowners have used wallpaper to cover imperfections in the walls.
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It’s a nightmare for a new homeowner to remove the wallpaper and find mold, mildew, or cracks in the walls. If you are considering selling your home forgo the wallpaper and repair the walls.
7. Outdated countertops
Laminate countertops were the standard in most homes in the 70’s and 80’s because of affordability and easy maintenance. Many people today prefer natural stone, marble or wood instead of laminate countertops.
8. Vintage color appliances
Homes have had white appliances for over a century. Same can be said about colored appliances in green, blue, red or gold. Stay clear of the vintage and buy stainless steel appliances for a more modern kitchen.
9. Big jacuzzi or built-in tubs make a house look dated
In the past couple of decades homes with big jacuzzi tubs or built-in tubs were in high demand. Their popularity has faded, and instead freestanding bathtubs are in demand because of function and aesthetics.
10. Unending Beige
Neutral colors make a space look brighter and spacious. If you want to paint walls beige try beiges with yellow or pink undertones or greige which is beige and greys. At this time greige is a very popular wall color with home stagers and interior designers.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
A common perception about downsizing is that it’s the lifestyle of the minimalist or that it is just for seniors. Downsizing first and foremost is about simplifying your lifestyle. Without a doubt this is achieved through decluttering and organizing your home environment. Below are some Practical Ways to Downsize and Simplify Life.
1. Free up time in your day
Many of the daily tasks that we perform in person can be facilitated online. Obviously you can reduce the amount of time spent in the bank by paying your bills online. Shopping for groceries and other items can also be done online. Think of all the time you will save in a day to perform other duties or just simply relax and spend your time living life your way.
Some people find it stressful and time-consuming commuting to stores and then standing in lineups. If you are finding it difficult juggling daily demands, a daily planner and a to do list will simplify your life and reduce stress and disappointment.
2. Spend less time on your phone and devices
Many of us have apps on our devices that consume hours in a day. We sit there scrolling mindlessly. Undoubtedly the time spent online might better be served sharing a cup of coffee with a friend, neighbor or family member.
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If you want to test the impact of social media on your life, simply delete social media for a week. How did you spend the extra time all week? How do you feel about it?
3. Eliminate the junk drawer and catch all areas
Eliminate the catch all space. Junk drawers collect clutter. Sort thru the junk drawer and decide what to keep and find an appropriate place for the item.
4. Donations
Create a permanent area for donations. This will help in a big way in keeping your area clean and decluttered. Last but not least as you come across items that you no longer need or want you can drop items off at a donation bin at the end of every month.
5. Get the most out of your wardrobe
Search through your clothing and toss anything that is old, worn, doesn’t fit. Donate items in good condition. Take stalk of the remaining wardrobe and divide it into seasons and store any clothing out of season. This will keep your closets and dressers decluttered.
6. Kitchen
Kitchens declutter starts with removing doubles of anything and everything. Refrigerators free of magnets and post it notes. Don’t turn your fridge door into a filing cabinet of to do lists and bills. Donate any working appliances that you no longer use. Keep counter tops clear of appliances and stored in cabinetry.
7. Declutter one spot at a time
To prevent becoming overwhelmed pick a spot and start there. Start with a closet, under a bed and branch out from there. If you tire easily dedicate a half an hour every day to do a little bit more.
8. Decorations and collectibles
People can go overboard when it comes to home décor. Not every corner or nook needs to be decorated. A room that has too much for the eyes to see can feel cluttered and unclean. Minimize décor, collectibles or designate a room for your show pieces. Not every wall needs a family photo. Create a photo album and free up some wall or shelf space.
9. Cluttered entry way
Create adequate space for shoes and coats. If space is limited keep everyday items in closet and find another space to hang and store excess items not used daily. Only storing what is necessary in your entryway will keep it clear of clutter.
10. Wall to wall furniture
Part of loving your space means filling your space with things you love but too much furniture can make your home look small and cluttered. Maybe you inherited antiques and are feeling guilty about letting them go.
Its more important that you are happy with the way your home looks and have furnishings that appeal to your sense of taste. Letting go of clutter is a freeing experience.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
The primary bedroom is often one of the main selling points for potential buyers. Buyers want to feel at home in the space. Staging the main bedroom is an important marketing decision. Staging prepares the area to appeal to all kinds of buyers. Transform Your Bedroom with these Staging Tips below.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) published a 2021 Home Staging Report proving the effectiveness staging has on the selling process. Transform Your Bedroom with these Staging Tips
Don’t become intimated by the staging process. Here are a few staging tips to help get your property ready for today’s marketplace.
Core staging furniture
There are core items of furniture that are key to a successful bedroom staging. A bed, dresser, set of bedside tables and a comfy chair. If you use your bedroom as an office, remove those items to another area of the home. Keep all surfaces and bedside tables clear of clutter.
Positioning and appearance of the bed
Place the bed against the wall in the middle of the room on the wall opposite the door so it’s the first thing buyers see when entering the room. Prepare the bed with a clean set of bedding. Ideally, a duvet cover with assorted pillows and a throw blanket that will add style to the room. Consider bedding that compliments the wall color and keep it simple and classy.
Lighting
Natural light is very important in a bedroom so keep curtains open for viewings. Minimize the layers of window dressings so natural light can shine through. Place lamps on the bedside tables with warm light bulbs for a comfortable atmosphere.
Neutral colours
Neutral colours and simple designs can create a very inviting atmosphere for a bedroom. If the room needs painting, select neutral shades of beige, grey or green.
Declutter and keep it that way
It can be challenging keeping key areas of your home in pristine condition for viewings when selling your home but keeping areas decluttered in very important. Depersonalize your bedroom and store away all photos, charms, collectibles and jewelry. Keep closets organized and decluttered.
Ensure the floor is free of mess, laundry and clutter. Doing these things will make such a difference in the presentation of the room.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
Home staging has become a more common practice in the selling process these days. Admittedly a staged home looks appealing but what are the benefits to the sale process? The answer, a staged home attracts more buyers, more offers and can attract a higher price. Below are home staging statistics and studies proving that home staging is an important part of the selling process.
Staged homes appeal to Buyers
As a Realtor, I can say it’s a pleasure to bring a staged home to the marketplace. A staged home improves the appearance of a home providing the buyer with a great first impression and that makes all the difference. According to the US National Association of Realtors, 81% of homebuyers felt a staged home aided them in imaging the property as their future home.
Staged home sells faster and for more money
Staged homes spend fewer days in the marketplace than non-staged homes. NAR reports that 53% of realtors say staged homes selling faster. RESA reports staged homes spent as little as 23 days on market.
Not only are staged homes preferred by home buyers, but they sell for more than other homes in their marketplace. According to NAR, 96% of buyers agree that a staged home affects how they feel about the condition of a home. Furthermore, NAR cites that 32% of realtors claim an increase of 1% – 5% in value.
In a 2020 survey of 13,000 staged homes, RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) reported 85% of home sales 5 – 23% over asking price. That is a significant price increase for the seller.
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To Stage or Not to Stage is the question
When should a home seller consider staging? If your home will be in an upscale market with expensive homes, you should consider staging your property. Buyers in this market expect a level of quality and luxury and want to ensure the product is worthy of their investment.
If the property is vacant staging is smart. A vacant home is difficult to photograph for marketing and is less inviting for viewings. Most buyers first scope out homes online for viewing and its difficult to convey a homes character when its empty.
Lower priced properties may forgo the staging process but don’t underestimate the benefits of a good cleaning and decluttering. A staged home in lower priced market may help you stand out among the competition and reap a higher price.
Most important rooms to stage
It is not necessary to stage an entire home. You can simplify the whole process by staging key rooms in your home. The key rooms are the ones you use every day or a room in your home that sets your home apart from other homes.
According to NAR the most often staged room is the living room which is staged 90% of the time. 82% of buyer’s agents cited the living room as the most important room to their buyers. Next the master bedroom and the kitchen are commonly staged. While a kitchen stage is done 80% of the time 78% of buyers found the master bedroom to be more important.
In conclusion, looking at the statistics proves that staging is a powerful tool when selling your home.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
