Real Estate Blog

How to Keep Your Home Show-Ready

9/29/2017

The reason for your move doesn't matter as much as the fact that you are selling your home and, while you hope it will happen quickly, the truth is that it could take months to find a buyer. Your real estate agent will work with you to schedule showings that are convenient for everyone involved, but you could be in showing mode for the near future.

No matter how clean a person you are, there is a difference between having a clean home and one that is show-ready. If you hope to attract a buyer, your home has to look as if a team of cleaners has come in and wiped it from top to bottom. This can be difficult to achieve with all of your other obligations. Here are some tips on keeping your house ready to show while you are still living in it.

1. Get Rid of It

Getting rid of some of your belongings has two benefits: It will declutter your home and you will have less to pack. Think of the things that you don't use, won't use or can easily replace. Sell those things to friends, family and on social media if you need to.

2. Bins, Bins and Bins

The easiest way to store your "junk" is to toss it in bins right before a showing. The bins can then be stacked in the garage or basement, leaving buyers none the wiser. This is a great option for kids' toys and pet gear. It also works for extra shoes and seasonal items.

3. Lose the Trash

When your real estate agent calls and says they have a potential buyer, you will go through the house in a mad scramble trying to clean up. It's easy to miss all those little trash bins in the bathrooms and bedrooms so get rid of them. Hang plastic bags on the door handles and grab them as you are running around cleaning.

For more tips on selling your Jonesboro home, reach out to our team of experienced real estate agents. We know how to sell homes quickly, and we can help you move yours. Call today to schedule an appointment.

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Are You Hurting Your Opportunity to Own a Home?

9/22/2017

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When you're shopping for a home, it's understandable that you are a bit picky. After all, this is where you will be living. If you are having a difficult time finding just the right house, it's time to ask yourself a question: Are you being too critical?

According to real estate experts, it's important to keep in mind that you will never find a house that is perfect. Nothing will fit all of your needs or contain all of your wants. Keeping an open mind about the things you can live with and the things you can change is important. Here are some signs that you may need to adjust your way of thinking when buying a home.

1. You Know Exactly What You Want...

...and you won't stop until you get it. No one should shop for a house without a few criteria in mind, but when your list of desires is large and written in stone, chances are high that you won't find what you're looking for. Take your wish list and decide what is the most important. Be flexible with other items on your list and you will find a home in no time.

2. You Want Your Forever Home...

...even if you're a first-time homebuyer. The majority of homebuyers today are looking for the home they will spend their lives in, and this could be a mistake. You may be better off shopping for a home you can live in "for now," especially if it’s your first home.

3. You Are a Reality Show Addict...

...and you believe everything you see. Yes, renovations on television happen quickly and turn out beautifully. The truth is that the renovation experts have chosen homes in which those renovations make sense. You don't see the expense, the problems that are encountered or live with the amount of time a renovation truly takes. There is nothing wrong with buying a fixer-upper if you are realistic about what can be done.

The biggest mistake you can make while searching for a home? Not having a real estate agent by your side. If you are looking for homes for sale in Lovejoy, reach out to our team of expert real estate agents for assistance. We can help you find a home that you love.

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Pro Tip: Leave Your Home During an Open House

9/15/2017

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Many people wonder if they should stay or go when their house is being shown to potential buyers. The short answer is this: Go. While some realtors prefer that homeowners remain in place to answer questions when potential buyers are looking at their home, most real estate agents suggest that sellers find something to do for a few hours. But why?

A person or family entering a home for sale is trying to imagine their lives inside the home. This can be incredibly difficult when the current occupants are inside. The potential buyer will want to ask about perceived issues in the home and freely discuss their likes and dislikes without fear of offending the home's current owner.

Another issue arises with an overzealous seller who tags along on the tour pointing out every last detail. Potential buyers can quickly feel bothered by this and not purchase a home they may have otherwise quickly snatched up. In fact, most realtors report that they have sold homes faster when owners have disappeared for a couple of hours during the showing compared to homes shown with owners present.

While there is certainly no hard and fast rule on leaving your home or staying during an open house, it may be in your best interest to leave. A potential buyer should be able to walk through your home freely stating their opinions and asking questions. Your realtor can schedule a second showing with interested buyers if they have questions only you can answer.

For more tips about selling your home in Hampton, reach out to our team. We know how to sell your home, and we know how to do it quickly. Call today to schedule an appointment where we can tell you more about our agency and how we can assist you in selling your property.

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Commonly Overlooked Homebuying Fees

9/8/2017

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When you are buying a home, you may be under the common misconception that the listing price is what you will be asked to pay. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Depending on the type of property and its location, you could start paying fees that quickly add thousands onto the cost of your new home. Here are some of the most commonly overlooked fees to be aware of.

1. Closing Costs

Closing costs are rarely built into the mortgage. You will be asked to pay the closing costs for the home outright. Plan on this being about five percent of the total purchase price. With some loan types you can get these calculated into your mortgage, so be sure to at least ask about the possibility.

2. Appraisal and Inspection Fees

Appraisal and inspection fees may be required upfront rather than being tied into the costs of the home. This means that you will be writing a check for every type of inspection. Plan on spending about $500, depending on the number and types of inspections required.

3. Insurance

Before you are permitted to take control of your property, you will need to have it insured. This is often worked into the mortgage for subsequent years, but your first year will need to be paid upfront. It's not unusual for homeowner's insurance upwards of $1,000 a year.

4. HOA Costs

If the home you are moving into is part of a homeowner's association, don't forget about their fees. While they may not cost you thousands up front, they will have to paid over the life of your mortgage. Many people forget about these costs when purchasing certain homes.

If you are interested in one of the homes for sale in Zebulon and have questions, our team of experienced real estate agents is here to assist you. Reach out to our office today to schedule an appointment to speak with a member of our team.

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Avoid Using These 3 Words in a Home Listing

9/1/2017

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Selling your home can be an emotional experience. You are considering leaving a houseful of memories for a new structure filled with nothing familiar. Whether you are leaving your home out of necessity or desire, you may be in a hurry to sell just to "get it over with." Don't let your need to sell quickly lead you to mistakes in your listing. According to real estate experts, there are three words that should never show up in your listing: gorgeous, luxury and charming.

Gorgeous: Gorgeous is a descriptive word, but what exactly does it describe? The problem is that it isn't specific. Potential homebuyers don't need to be fed adjectives when looking at your home's photos. They can quite easily decide for themselves if your home is attractive.

Luxury: Unless your home is truly luxurious and a step above others in the area, using the word "luxury" is a mistake. The word is most often used when describing bathrooms and has been used one too many times. Be honest about what is included in your home, listing features matter-of-factly. A homebuyer will determine if they feel as though the features are luxurious.

Charming: The word brings to mind cozy little cottages and fairy tales. Charming is a word that can have potential buyers looking elsewhere, especially if they are looking for a roomy home. Even if you have small rooms, simply list their dimensions and avoid descriptive words that draw pictures in the mind of shoppers.

It's amazing that the wrong words can deter the sale of your home, but it's a fact. Listing your home incorrectly can mean that it sits on the market for months instead of selling as quickly as you hope.

For more tips on selling your Barnesville home, call our office. We are experienced real estate agents and we know how to make your home sell. We are happy to offer you our services and look forward to working with you.

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The D&K Update

Real Estate Blog

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The Dottie & Kate Team are real estate experts in Stockbridge, Georgia who enjoys writing about home staging, Lake Jackson, and tips for selling your home quickly!

How to Keep Your Home Show-Ready

Are You Hurting Your Opportunity to Own a Home?

Pro Tip: Leave Your Home During an Open House

Commonly Overlooked Homebuying Fees

Avoid Using These 3 Words in a Home Listing

The D&K Update

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