When you’re trying to sell your home, there are a few mistakes that could make or break completing the sale of the home in a timely manner. While some things like a tough market or a home with a lot of extra-special features are out of your immediate control, there are plenty of things that you can do when it comes to selling your home. Read on for expert selling tips on what to avoid when your home is going on the market.
Overpriced homes tend to sit on the market for a longer period of time. This is because buyers can see that the price isn’t right and are waiting for a price drop. It’s so easy to overestimate the value of your home as well.
When a home sits on the market for a longer period of time, buyers also wonder if there’s something wrong with the home. Was there a botched inspection? Does the home need major work that’s not visible to the naked eye? An idle home sale leaves buyers wondering, and your home still left on the market.
As far as price goes, if your home has been sitting on the market, you’ll need to consider dropping the price in a timely fashion if the price isn’t right. You also should be open to bargaining with buyers. In the grand scheme of selling a home sometimes being stubborn with $5,000 doesn’t pay off in the end.
When your home goes on the market, you’ll need to do a deep clean of the home. This could mean shelling out some money for a professional cleaning service. Buyers want to see homes that are in pretty good condition. It’s hard to picture living in a place where there’s a lot of dirt and clutter. If you need to, put some of your stuff in storage for the showing. Buyers need some vision to help them decide on the home that’s right for them. You can help them to find that vision with a spotless house.
When it comes to selling your home, you want the best possible photographs to depict your property. Most home buyers start their search online these days and high-quality photographs are the best first impression of your property that you can give. A few cell phone pictures just won’t cut it. If you can’t get professional photographs done to sell your home, you might want to find someone with a more professional camera or a bit of amateur photography skills. Buyers are focusing on the pictures way more than they are the words in descriptions for online listings. Find the best way to give buyers an overview of your property in images with a good impression.
Most new home shoppers have a list of must-have features in their new abode. Having such a list is a great way to zero in on which houses will make the cut and which are off your list. You will also be able to have a more clear idea of how much of your budget to allocate for upgrades after the final sale for any missing features. Afterall with such a large investment shouldn’t your new house be your dream home?
Here four sensible upscale upgrades you’ll want to add to your list ASAP.
Radiant heat flooring throughout the home will keep your feet warm and room temperatures steady. Your energy bill will be cut significantly while also avoiding the on/off repetition of other heating systems that leave you hot and cold. The only flooring radiant heat doesn’t work well with is carpeting. So if your home has any consider this your ticket to finally replacing them with some gorgeous hardwoods.
Whole-house electrostatic precipitator is installed into the ductwork of your home's forced air heating system. The electrostatic allows these electrically charged filters to catch particles like pollen, smoke, and dander as if they were a magnet. And while installing this system is an investment upfront, unlike other filtration systems you don’t need to buy replacement screens each month. Instead, you simply wash the plate every few months and pop it back in to continue doing its job.
Plan extra outlets for better cord management. Floor outlets under a desk, entertainment center or dining room table allow for easy cord management and avoid tripping hazards from cords stretched, mid-air across a room. Place an outlet mid wall where you plan to hang your television for another clever cord management solution. While installing you should also consider picking up an in-wall cord system kit to easily DIY a hidden path for tv to console cords.
Energy efficient features come with multiple benefits and never an upgrade a homeowner would stick their nose up at. I’m sure the first that comes to mind is windows. They keep heat/AC in and outdoor temps where they belong - out. A smart thermostat can help you learn how much energy you’ve used before your electric bill comes in and which temperature settings are the most efficient. Not to mention you can easily adjust the temperature from its app so you no longer need to get up just to change the thermostat.
Upscale upgrades aren’t all indoor basketball courts and massive home theaters. There are many that are sensible and add to your quality of life for the better. Keep a running list of which homes on your wishlist have these features and how much budget to set aside if they don’t.
As a homebuyer, you likely will want to do everything possible to secure your dream house at a budget-friendly price. Yet for those who are dealing with an aggressive property seller, achieving the optimal results may prove to be challenging.
Lucky for you, we're here to help you simplify the homebuying process so you can acquire your ideal residence at an affordable price – even if you're forced to deal with an aggressive home seller.
Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you deal with an aggressive property seller and accomplish your desired homebuying results.
1. Remain Patient
It may be tough to deal with an aggressive home seller at times, but those who stay the course can buy a house that matches or exceeds their expectations.
Remember, a patient homebuyer generally is a happy homebuyer. If a buyer avoids rash decisions and remains calm, cool and collected when dealing with an aggressive seller, he or she can boost the likelihood of making the best-possible choices throughout the property buying journey.
2. Focused on Your Desired Results
The ultimate goal of the homebuying journey is to find and buy a house that you can enjoy for years to come. In some instances, an aggressive seller may make it difficult for you to accomplish your goal. But if you prioritize the end results of the homebuying journey, you may be better equipped than others to secure a terrific residence.
If you focus on the big picture, you may be able to reduce the risk that minor issues with an aggressive home seller could slow down the property buying journey. And if you do whatever it takes to achieve your desired homebuying results, you may be able to find unique solutions to various problems.
Don't forget to maintain open communication with a seller. If you open the lines of communication with a seller, both you and a seller can work together to ensure all parties are satisfied with the results of a home sale.
3. Hire a Real Estate Agent
If you're uncertain about how to deal with an aggressive seller, you may want to hire a real estate agent. That way, you'll have an expert negotiator at your disposal.
A real estate agent is happy to negotiate with a home seller and his or her agent on your behalf. By doing so, a real estate agent will minimize the risk of potential property buying delays.
Let's not forget about the frequent updates that a real estate agent provides during a negotiation with a property seller, either. A real estate agent will keep you informed about seller negotiations and ensure you can move along the homebuying cycle. And if you ever have concerns or questions during the homebuying journey, a real estate agent is ready to respond to them at your convenience.
Manage the homebuying journey like never before – use the aforementioned tips, and you can avoid the headaches commonly associated with dealing with an aggressive property seller.
Looking to add your home to the real estate market? Ultimately, you'll want to do everything you can to maximize the value of your residence.
For home sellers, getting the best price for a residence may seem virtually impossible at times. Fortunately, we're here to help you plan ahead so you can get the best price for your house as soon as it hits the market.
Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you optimize the value of your residence, regardless of the current real estate market's conditions.
1. Examine the Housing Market
When it comes to the real estate market, it is important to understand how your residence stacks up against the competition.
Collect housing market data to learn about the real estate sector. Then, you can establish a "competitive" price for your home and boost your chances of a quick home sale.
Typically, home sellers should look at the prices of currently available residences in their cities and towns. This will enable home sellers to understand the local real estate market and establish a price range for houses that are similar to their own.
Don't forget to review the prices of recently sold houses as well. With this housing market data in hand, home sellers can find out whether they are about to enter a seller's or buyer's market.
2. Complete a Home Appraisal
Let's face it – what your home is worth today is unlikely to match what you initially paid for your residence. If you have completed a wide range of home upgrades over the years, the value of your residence may have increased. Or, if you failed to maintain your house's interior and exterior, your residence's value may have fallen.
A home appraisal will enable you to learn about your house's strengths and weaknesses. This assessment is performed by a professional property inspector who will take a close look at your house's interior and exterior. After the assessment is finished, the property inspector will provide you with a report that can help you price your house appropriately.
If you want to boost your home's value after a home appraisal, you can always complete various home interior and exterior improvement projects. That way, you can enhance your house both inside and out and move closer to maximizing the value of your home.
3. Consult with a Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent is a difference-maker for home sellers, and for good reason. This housing market professional will do everything possible to help you prep your house and ensure you can receive the best price for it – without exception.
Usually, a real estate agent will set up home showings and open houses, negotiate with homebuyers on your behalf and much more. He or she will even provide honest, unbiased home selling recommendations to ensure you can streamline the home selling journey.
Don't leave anything to chance as you get ready to add your house to the real estate market. Use these tips, and you should have no trouble getting the best price for your house.
Need to relocate from one address to another? In all likelihood, you'll need to pack a variety of small kitchen appliances before moving day arrives. Luckily, we're here to teach you what it takes to safely and effectively pack up your microwave, toaster and other small kitchen appliances.
Now, let's take a look at three best practices for packing small kitchen appliances.
1. Clean and Disassemble Your Appliances
Before you start packing, spend some time cleaning your small kitchen appliances. This will ensure your appliances are neat and tidy prior to storing them in assorted moving boxes.
Unplug a kitchen appliance prior to cleaning. Then, allocate the necessary time and resources to wipe down your appliance's interior and exterior. After you clean your kitchen appliances, make sure they are completely dry before you pack them.
In addition, remove any loose parts from your small kitchen appliances. This will allow you to secure all associated appliance components in moving boxes.
2. Choose an Appropriate Moving Box
If possible, use a small kitchen appliance's original box for moving day. The appliance will fit perfectly in this box, thereby reducing the risk of damage while your appliance is in transit.
For those who failed to save the original boxes for their appliances, there is no need to worry. You can purchase moving boxes in a wide range of sizes, ensuring you can find a moving box that will hold any small kitchen appliance.
In most instances, small and medium-sized moving boxes are ideal for myriad kitchen appliances. Use plenty of packing or sealing tape on the bottom of these moving boxes to ensure the boxes won't fall apart. Also, prepare these moving boxes with packing paper to further protect your small kitchen appliances.
3. Wrap Your Appliances in Bubble Wrap or Packing Paper
When it comes to small kitchen appliances, it always is better to err on the side of caution. Therefore, you should wrap each of these appliances in bubble wrap or packing paper and secure it with packing tape. This will help you minimize the risk that the appliance will get damaged during your move.
If you need extra help with moving small kitchen appliances or other items, it never hurts to reach out to a professional moving company for assistance, either. This moving company will learn about your moving needs and help you plan accordingly.
Lastly, if you require assistance with buying or selling a house, it pays to collaborate with a real estate agent. This housing market professional can help you enjoy a fast, seamless homebuying or home selling journey. Furthermore, if you are uncertain about the best ways to prepare for moving day, a real estate agent can offer expert recommendations.
Take the guesswork out of packing your small kitchen appliances – use the aforementioned best practices, and you should have no trouble getting your small kitchen appliances packed up and ready to go for moving day.
