While a winter home sale isn’t usually recommended, it is sometimes necessary. And, with a little preparation and some home staging, you could sell your home quick for top-dollar value! How can you increase your home’s appearance this winter? These winter home staging tips work wonders:
Curb appeal
Rake the leaves and add a fresh coat of paint to the exterior. Keeping up with the exterior shows buyers the home has been well-maintained and is in good condition.
Turn up the heat
To save money, many homeowners set their thermostat in the 60s during the winter months. However, that is not a good plan when selling your home. Turn up the heat to the 70s to make buyers feel like they’re right at home.
Fire up the fireplace
There’s nothing better than a fire during the damp and cold winter months. With that in mind, fire up your fireplace during home showings – only with your agent’ supervision, of course!
Add seasonal scents
From peppermint to cranberries and fresh balsam, the winter season is full of enticing and welcoming scents. When your home is on the market, bring the scents of the season to life in your home by mulling seasonal spices on the stove, baking fresh holiday cookies, lighting seasonal candles and more.
Add tasteful holiday decor
While you don’t want to go overboard, it isn’t a bad idea to add some holiday decor. Professionals recommend a big wreath on the front door, candles (electric or battery-operated) in the windows and other tasteful items. Try to avoid blow-up decorations or anything too over-the-top.
These winter home staging tips will work for a winter home sale or simply a holiday get-together. No matter the situation, they will help your home look and smell great!
Are you considering selling your home in the coming month? Give our team a call. We are always available to help!
In real estate, it is often thought that spring and summer reign supreme when it comes to selling your home. However, that may actually be a misconception. In fact, with less competition and a still active market, fall may actually be the better home selling season. How can you make your home stand out from others? Simply upgrade your home’s appeal with these autumn home staging tips:
Focus on cub appeal
What they say is true, first impressions do matter. So how do you stage your front porch to leave buyers wanting to see more? Think seasonal items: potted mums near the door, a fall-themed wreath, pumpkins and maybe even a fall doormat. Oh, and while falling leaves go with the season, they are not so appealing to homebuyers. Clean them up before any showings.
Think autumn, not Halloween
Pumpkins are appealing. However, leave the Jack-O-Lanterns, spider webs and other Halloween decorations for your next home.
Incorporate seasonal hues
Bring the fall colors in by adding some throw pillows and blankets in seasonal hues. Great fall colors include deep reds, burnt oranges, golden yellows, etc. Think the shades of the changing leaves! But, do make sure they complement any current color scheme.
Warm and cozy
As the weather cools down, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere within your home is even more important. To do this, think comfy throws, blankets, pillows, candles, lamps and more.
Appeal to the senses
Smell is often thought to be the sense most closely linked with memory. With that in mind, try to incorporate scents that trigger happy memories: apple pie, pumpkin spice, cinnamon and more. If you don’t want to bake before every showing, add fall-scented candles, essential oils and potpourri throughout your home.
Dress up the interior
Dress up your home’s décor with some seasonal touches. Great options include clear glass jars filled with candy corn, pumpkins, seasonal flowers, etc. And, with Thanksgiving around the corner, think about setting the dining table for your annual feast. A table runner and fall-themed centerpiece should do the trick. It could leave a potential buyer wanting to host their Thanksgiving get together in your home!
Are you thinking about selling your home this fall? Give our team a call. We would be happy to help you with these autumn home staging tips.
If you know real estate, you likely also know that spring and summer are the best times to sell. However, if you list your home during a specific two-week window you could speed up your home sale and earn an average of $2,400 more than if you decided to list another time of year. When is this two-week window? Lucky for you, it’s coming up! In fact, a new Zillow report found that the first two weeks of May are the prime period for U.S. sellers to list their home.
As this date is fast-approaching, we thought we would provide some tips to get your home ready to sell in late spring or summer!
- Refresh your curb appeal. Clean up the front yard, add a wreath to the front door, add a fresh coat of paint to the home’s exterior, replace the house numbers, add potted plants to the porch, etc. Creating a welcoming front yard is the key to a great first impression!
- Declutter all living areas. Remove all Knick knacks and unnecessary items from your home’s décor. A cluttered space is unappealing to potential buyers.
- Depersonalize each room. Take all personal items in your home – especially pictures of your family – and pack them. Removing all personal touches allows the buyer to picture themselves and their belongings in the home.
- Repaint walls in neutral tones. Buy a neutral hue and repaint the main living areas within the home. Neutral colors make a home appear larger, open and clean. Great color options include greige, beige, tan, gray, ivory, etc.
- Touch-up the walls. Paint over any scuffs or missing paint chips on the walls, baseboards and doors throughout your home – except the rooms you just repainted. To ensure the color matches, chip off a little paint and take it to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s. Their paint professionals should be able to match the color.
- Repair or replace any loose or damaged handles. While this may be a small thing in your eyes, a loose or damaged handle may make a potential buyer question what else needs to be repaired in the home.
- Remove bad odors. The slightest bad odor has the possibility to turn-off a potential buyer. Invite over a friend or your real estate agent and ask if they detect any bad odors. If they do, deep clean the entire home and add candles, potpourri, etc.
- Deep clean each room of the home. Your home should be the cleanest it has ever been and remain that way the entire time it is on the market. To do this, shampoo the carpets, wax the hardwood floors, make the counters shine, etc.
- Pack away any valuables. During home showings, a buyer will go through every room and closet within your home. To ensure nothing goes missing, pack away anything you don’t want to lose before any home showings or open houses.
Consider renting a storage unit while your home is on the market. A storage unit is a great place to store personal items, valuables and other clutter. Plus, it removes these items from any closets and storage rooms within your home – areas potential buyers will check when at a showing.
Are you ready to list your home? Contact our team! We are always available to lend a helping hand!
Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions we face in life. There are so many facets to a home sale — from marketing and professional photography to understanding the laws, required disclosures, and rigid timelines. We work with many home sellers each day, and we’ve compiled the 8 best interview questions to ask a REALTOR® (or REALTOR® Team like The Power of 4/Team Excellence) in hopes that it will help you or someone you know when they’re considering a home sale. Let’s get started:
1) Are you a full-time professional real estate agent?
Why this is important: Knowing whether or not your REALTOR® markets and sells real estate full-time helps determine his or her commitment to your transaction. It also demonstrates the level of confidence she or he has in her/his abilities.
2) Do you have an administrative assistant, team or staff to handle different parts of the home sale?
Why this is important: It is not uncommon for agents who sell many houses each year to hire people to work with them. As their businesses grow, they must be able to meet and preferably exceed the expectations of their clients. The fact that they have a Team in place to help with various parts of the process of selling your home is a good indication that they are both talented and organized when it comes to selling real estate.
3) What is your marketing plan for my property?
Why this is important: Any REALTOR® you hire should be able to produce a multi-point marketing plan to market and sell your home. At a minimum, this should include services like professional photography, property video or virtual tour, social media marketing, networking with colleagues, promoting to their current database of buyers, and syndicating to real estate websites like REALTOR.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more. Request samples of their past marketing materials to get an understanding of what they plan to do for you.
4) How will you keep in contact with me during the selling process, and how often?
Why this is important: As with anything, it’s good to know and set proper expectations of how the process will look and feel. Many agents perform an “update call” either weekly or bi-monthly to keep their clients informed at all times. Great agents also stay up-to-date on the neighborhood competition and market trends and will often prepare updated comparative market analyses for you to review.
5) What is your list-to-sales price ratio, both over the last year and throughout your career? On average, how long do your listings stay on the market? How does that figure compare with other agents?
Why this is important: The proof is in the pudding. The list-to-sales-price ratio indicates what offer amount they were able to procure for their clients compared to the list price. A high list-to-sales-price ratio demonstrates negotiation savvy (the agent is able to keep the contract price close, at, or above the list price). The days on market figure shows how effectively they price and market homes. Both of these numbers are definitely among the best interview questions to ask a REALTOR®
6) Will you give me names of past clients and may I call them?
Why this is important: Interviewing an agent is similar to interviewing someone to work in your office. Contacting references is a reliable way for you to understand how she or he works, along with whether or not her/his style is compatible with your own.
7) How will you get paid? How are your fees structured?
Why this is important: In many areas, the seller pays all agent commissions. Sometimes, agents will have other small fees, such as administrative or special service fees, that are charged to clients, regardless of whether they are buying or selling. Be aware of the big picture before you sign any agreements. Ask for an estimate of costs from any agent you contemplate employing.
8) How would you develop pricing strategies for our home?
Why this is important: Although location and condition affect the selling process, the price is a primary factor in determining if a home sells quickly or at all. Access to current property information is essential, and sometimes an appraisal by a certified appraiser can help. Ask your agent how they created the market analysis they used to price your home, and whether your agent included For Sale by Owner homes, foreclosed homes and bank-owned sales in that list.
At The Power of 4/Team Excellence, we work with many home sellers each day, and we hope that these 8 best interview questions to ask a REALTOR® has been helpful to you or someone you know. If you’re considering putting your home on the market, we’d welcome the opportunity to share with you how we’re different from the rest.
Give us a call or email us anytime. We’re always here for you.
Are you considering selling your home this year? Well then, chances are you have already done a little bit of research. And, you’ve probably used an online tool that instantly gives you an estimate of what you home is worth. Don’t fall for these estimates! These online estimates are typically very inaccurate when determining the value of your home. In fact, many individuals who have used these online home estimate tools find that these online sites, like Zillow, Trulia, Homes.com, Chase.com, etc., overprice their home, leaving them disappointed when they are unable to sell their home for that price. Why are online home estimates so inaccurate? Well, these sites don’t take into account several factors that can dramatically increase or decrease the value of your home. Take a look at the factors here:
Current Condition – While the online estimator tool can determine how old your home is, it cannot determine the current condition of your home. The condition can significantly affect the value of your property. Homes that have been taken care of over the years are worth more than those that have been neglected.
Comparative Market Analysis – The best way to determine your home’s value is to complete a comparative market analysis. In most cases, a REALTOR® will take the time to compare your home to others of the same size and age in your neighborhood that have sold within the last couple of years. This data, found on MLS, is only available to REALTORS® and those within the local real estate industry.
Home Features – Your home’s features can significantly increase or decrease its value. Features like upgraded appliances, light fixtures, type of flooring, and pool or deck all go into determining the value of your home. A REALTOR® will take these features into account, while an online estimator does not have the ability to do so.
Local Developments –What new developments are coming to the area that can affect your home’s value? Your REALTOR®, who specializes in the area you live in, will know this information and use it to evaluate your home. An online estimator has no way of knowing this information and therefore does not have the ability to use it as a factor when determining your home’s value.
In the end, there are only two professionals you should trust to determine the value of your home – an appraiser or an experienced REALTOR® who knows the local market. These professionals will take into account all the factors listed above and more to give you an accurate estimate of your home’s value.
Are you looking for a REALTOR® in the greater Austin area? Give us a call. We would be happy to complete a complimentary comparative market analysis on your home.
Resources:
http://sanantoniotoprealtor.net/8074-2/
https://www.texasrealestate.com/uploads/files/general-files/AVM_consumer_handout.pdf
When getting your home ready to sell, it is important to add sought-after, updated features. Buyers love turn-key homes! But, of course, you don’t want to renovate your entire home — where should you start? Here are my top recommendations on renovations to get your home ready to sell.
Let’s stick with three, high-impact areas of the home — kitchen, bathroom, and front entry.
The kitchen has become one of the most social rooms of the modern home. With this in mind, it has become increasingly important to stay up-to-date with the current trends to make your kitchen stand out to buyers.
How can you make sure your kitchen appeals to buyers? Here are the renovations I recommend to make your kitchen the talk of the market!
- Counter Tops
Many buyers nowadays will not look at a house unless it has updated counter tops in the kitchen. Popular kitchen counter tops include granite and quartz. While they might be expensive, they are worth it! Granite and quartz counter tops will last longer and will add value to your home. - Lighting
Lighting, while it may not seem important, can add a “wow” factor to any room in the home, and pendant lights are the best option for the kitchen. Make sure they don’t overpower the room, but instead complement the features already present in the kitchen. - Sink
If you have the opportunity and money, consider updating your kitchen sink. A popular option in newly remodeled kitchens is the farmhouse sink. - Cabinets
Cabinets, just like counter tops, are very visible in the kitchen. Before you put your home on the market, make sure there are no paint chips or scratches in your cabinets. A fresh coat of paint of stain often does the trick! Also, if you want to do a little more, you can add new hardware (knobs) to the cabinets. - Appliances
Replacing appliances can be costly to a renovation budget. But, replacing them can be worth every penny. Stainless steel appliances are a popular choice among buyers. - Flooring
While flooring doesn’t top the list, buyers prefer to have updated flooring in the home they are buying. Consider adding hardwood floors throughout the home (except for bathrooms). - Backsplash
The kitchen backsplash can add a luxurious touch to any kitchen, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Tile backsplashes tend to get pretty pricey. However, you don’t have to use tile. It turns out that tin ceiling tile makes for a great and inexpensive backsplash.
Even though the bathroom is not the most important room in the house, it deserves attention when it comes to renovating before getting ready to sell. Stick to tile, and update fixtures. As it was important to stay up-to-date with the kitchen, it is equally as important to remember the bathroom.
- Faucets
Replace old faucets in the bathrooms before placing your home on the market. Research and see what type of metal is in style at the time — it could be very important to your buyers. - Counter Tops
If you’re going to update the counter tops in your kitchen, then the cost won’t increase much to include the bathroom. To keep it uniform, order the same counter top color. Your buyers will love that you have updated both parts of the home. - Lighting
Lighting is important in every room of the house! When replacing the faucets, consider replacing the light fixtures to match the new hardware. As always, remember what is in style. - Shower
Big, separate showers have become very popular recently. When remodeling your bathroom, remove the tub/shower combo, and put in a standing shower with glass doors. Also, add tile to the entire shower (walls and floor). - Flooring
Always use tile in the bathroom – in the shower and when flooring the entire bathroom. - Cabinets
Just as in the kitchen, cabinets are a visible part of the bathroom and buyers do not like to see them falling apart or in need of major maintenance. To keep it simple and cheap, just add a fresh coat of paint or stain.
First impressions really do matter! Make sure your homes exterior looks just as good as its interior — start with the front entry. My top four recommendations are below.
- Porch Flooring
As a cheap way to improve your home’s curb appeal, look at the flooring on your porch. Is it cracked? Or does it have missing bricks or stones? If so, you may want to look into repairing it. - Front Door
Adding a new front door, or refinishing the paint is important to buyers. A buyer likes to know that you take care of the outside of your home just as much as the inside. Before placing it on the market, consider replacing the door. Or, if you don’t want to spend too much, add a fresh coat of paint or stain. - Lighting
Replace the cheap light fixtures that came with your home and add a nice, new light fixture to the front entry. Buyers will love the new touch. - Welcoming Features
When your home is on the market, it is nice to add welcoming features to the front entry. It will give buyers a great first impression of your home! Popular items include: wreaths, flowers, a welcoming mat, or new home numbers.
Renovating your home to get ready to sell can be a big and expensive project. But, it doesn’t have to be. Stick to the renovations above and your home will be one of the best on the market.
Let me know if you have any questions! I am always here to help you!
Resources:
http://homerenovations.about.com/od/legalsafetyissues/ss/renovatetosell.htm
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/10-budget-updates-and-easy-cosmetic-fixes-pictures
http://www.trulia.com/blog/renovations-under-5000/
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20532123,00.html
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20515352_20996919,00.html