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What to Do to Increase Your Home Value

December 5, 2020December 5, 2020Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Home Improvement Tipshome buyers, home improvement, home sellersLeave a comment

In its 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, the National Association of Realtors or NAR revealed that not all home improvement or remodeling projects delivered their purpose. In fact, only three out of the 20 projects in the study recovered expenses and investments when they were sold. Improving and increasing your home’s value takes more than just a few furniture upgrades, garden landscaping, and new garage door installation.

There is no formula or secret procedure for home improvements, but there are simple tips you can follow. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the effect of an upgrade or remodeling depends on factors such as your home’s location and current home value. For example, a complete bathroom makeover significantly increases the value of smaller, more affordable homes. For more expensive homes, adding a home theater or a swimming pool will increase their value.

Nevertheless, here are some suggestions on what to do to increase your home value. Although there is no guarantee that all these tips will help add value to your home directly, they can build up your house’s appeal.

How to Increase Your Home Value

Check your home

Before starting any remodeling, renovation, or home improvement project, go around your house to check out if some areas or items need improvement or replacement. It’s essential to get an idea of what and how much work is required. Likewise, a house check will help you come up with interesting inputs for your project.

Invite an interior designer or a realtor to tour your home

The idea of inviting a professional might sound intimidating to you, but it can be a big help. Getting some inputs from an interior designer or a licensed realtor is one way of adding creative ideas to your home improvement project. These professionals are trained, experienced, and know what to watch out for and which factors matter the most.

You may have to spend a little bit on the consultation fee, but this activity is a good investment and offers great benefits.

Pay attention to the essential aspects of your home

Now that you’ve had the chance to go around the house and collect creative inputs from professionals, it’s time to start the project. First things first, though – work on the most basic and essential aspects of your home.

There is no guidebook on how to do this, but you have to make sure your electrical panel, water heater, and furnace are correctly maintained.

Although these are non-physical or visual aspects, they create an impact on potential buyers (in case you want to sell your house later on). For example, if your electrical panel is old and does not follow current codes and specifications, buyers will either ask for a lesser price or not push through with the deal. Buyers want a home that they do not need to upgrade or require only very minimal work.

Fresh paint helps update your rooms

Many homeowners start their home improvement projects by repainting rooms. It’s one of the simplest but most effective upgrades. A fresh coat of paint adds value to your rooms in many ways – cleaner, more organized, and appealing. It’s also a cost-effective option for turning old, lived-in rooms into comfortable new spaces.

If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere, go for grey, tan, beige, and other neutral colors. If you want to make the rooms look large and spacious, use lighter colors. Add some life to your windows and walls by using accent colors.

Declutter your home

Another cost-effective option is decluttering and organizing your home. Clean all rooms and areas of your home. Go from room to room and remove all unnecessary items. Remove extra furniture and anything that blocks hallways. Replace or throw away non-functioning furniture and appliances.

If you can, do not keep your old and discarded items in the garage, attic, or basement. A better option would be to find a good but affordable storage unit.

Hire a reliable cleaning company if you want to deep-clean your home.

Also, if you’re planning to sell your home right after remodeling it, remove any personal items such as family photos and other memorabilia. Create a welcoming atmosphere for your potential buyers, one that makes them feel they belong. Buyers should be able to visualize themselves living in your home.

Air quality is also important

Your home’s indoor air quality has a considerable impact on its value. If it is stuffy, too hot, or too cold inside, potential buyers will take notice.

Besides ensuring that your HVAC system is well-maintained and functional, there are other vital aspects to consider when upgrading air quality. For starters, be mindful of all the rugs and carpets in your home. If they are old and haven’t been cleaned for months, you need to replace them to ensure that allergens and contaminants do not linger in the air.

If you need to clean your floor and walls, refrain from using chemically-heavy cleaning products. Instead, go for organic or environmentally friendly ones. This will not only help clear indoor air of allergens and contaminants, but it will also prevent you and other household members from developing allergies and respiratory-related illnesses.

Improve the aesthetics of your home

There are several things you can do to improve your home’s aesthetics.

Update your bathroom and kitchen. You do not have to have a full scale remodel; change the bathroom tiles to better ones or repaint the kitchen cabinets. Upgrade your bathtubs and sinks. Even small upgrades will matter.

Change the flooring in bedrooms and the living and dining areas. Hardwood floors are highly recommended because of their aesthetic value and durability.

Improve the lighting fixtures in your home. Use hanging bulbs and other innovative and creative lighting products. If you find it necessary, you can even add a chandelier, probably in the living or dining room.

Have your garden landscaped. Add some flowers, plants, and trees to your lawn or backyard. It would help if you also put plants indoors, in strategic areas. Just don’t overdo things so your home and garden won’t end up looking like a mini jungle. A few greens here and there will add more relaxing and healthy vibes to your place. Be sure also to install some good outdoor lights to add more drama to your outdoor space.

Repaint your front door and other entrances. Fix your roof or upgrade it.

Install some smart technologies in your home. Some examples to consider are digital door locks, Wi-Fi-operated thermostats and alarms, fire detectors, automated lighting, and energy-efficient appliances.

These are just some of the things you can do to increase the value of your home. If you need more ideas, talk to your realtor or interior designer. You can also find a lot of inspiration from various online sources.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE

July 22, 2020January 3, 2023Bruzzese Home ImprovementsTips for homebuyers, Real Estate Tipshome buyers, real estateLeave a comment

Are you preparing to purchase a new house? Perhaps, it would be the most significant investment decision you will ever make in your life. In the 21st century, a new home doesn’t cost less than a fortune, which means you need to be extremely careful with your decision. Whether it is your first purchase or you are an experienced buyer, purchasing a property is no easy feat.

You have to look after many things – from licenses, contracts, property prices, and especially your budget. Some people end up overspending on the purchase price without acknowledging the piles of expenses waiting on the door post-home acquisition. Likewise, you have to find a trustworthy realtor to get the best prices.

Thus, before handing over that fat wad of cash, do some research? See whether everything is up to the mark and according to your preference. After all, you are not spending heaps of money to settle for anything less than perfect. If you are clueless about this, we have everything ready for you. Here are five things to know before buying a house.

1. Determine the Value of Property

Is your home even worth millions of dollars? The concept of the value of money kicks in as everyone wonders whether it is worth making a massive investment. Usually, the cost depends on the location – whether it is a sea-facing house or in the middle of a busy street. Having a home in posh areas like mont botanik residence, near the Elizabeth Drive, off Hillview Avenue, offers rustic serenity, will be worth more than any other housing society.

Moreover, determine the potential value of your home as there is no rocket science in it. Although the dynamics of markets are continually changing, it can still help you understand whether your purchase is worthwhile. Search the recent sales of similar properties by looking at the following characteristics:

Property should have the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and garage space.
It should be within 2km of the same area.
The sale should have occurred in the past six months.
The size/area of the land should be the same.
The property type has to be the same – one-story, unit, townhouse, etc.

2. Look beyond Paint

Sometimes, the fascinating colors and lights are enough to please you into buying an entire house. But is that a wise decision? You cannot ignore other aspects, especially altering kitchen cabinets and bathroom hardware, which is heavy on pockets.

Therefore, look beyond those fancy walls and see whether the home needs significant repairs. Alongside considering the cost of appliances, counters, and cabinet, also acknowledge labor costs for the installation process. However, it does not mean you should give up on a home that needs minor fixes; instead, recognize all potential costs to see whether your budget is giving a green signal.

3. Consider all Costs

Unfortunately, your job does not end after purchasing the house since the list of expenses is pretty long. In short, the purchase price is only one piece of owning the house, which means you have may have to consider all costs associated with the new home. It might be purchasing an insurance plan, license fees, real estate taxes, and other moving costs. Likewise, you would be coughing up money on home improvements – heating, cooling systems, new decoration pieces, or private swimming pools.

4. Learn about Potential Rental Income

Even though you are not thinking of renting your property, but it is always worth knowing how much rent your home can generate. It is also crucial to know about the fundamentals of a rental market. Hence, look for low vacancy rates, the balance of supply and demand, and good rental yields. Feel free to ask the real estate agent for a rental appraisal to determine your rental income.

Next up, you have to scroll through listing websites, filter your target, and match characteristics of the property with your tenants. It exposes you to the rental ranges of those properties, giving you a fair idea of how much rent you may generate from your rental property. Honestly, understanding every aspect of your property will help you out in the future.

5. Do Not Forget to Negotiate

Brace yourself to sign plenty of papers because the paperwork is insane when you are buying a house. These are not random papers, but contracts which state different clauses about payment terms, taxes, filing returns, etc. It might seem like a standard home buying contract, but remember, there is always room for some negotiation.

Thus, before signing the contract, make sure to review all the papers and see where you can cut corners. Similarly, if you want some more time for inspection or wish to waive a radon test, you can make this a part of your contract deal. You either have to learn ropes or get in touch with a savvy realtor to help you with these matters.

Wrapping Up

Buying a home is nothing like going shopping for clothes – you like it and buy it. A lot of planning goes into the purchasing of a property to ensure you are putting your savings in the right place. You have to select a posh location, get a license, find property dealers, and consider the additional costs. Therefore, start familiarizing yourself with all the real estate essentials to get your dream house.

4 Neighborhood Perks To Look For When Home Shopping

March 18, 2017adminReal Estate Tips, Tips for homebuyershome buyers, real estateLeave a comment

When buyers are looking for a new home, they must consider many different issues, including price, size, and convenience to work, taxes and a host of other concerns. The neighborhood in which the home is located is another important factor to consider, because it not only influences how comfortable you will be in your new location; it also affects your home’s value in the future.

1 – Convenient Transportation

Convenient access to transportation is one of the top features of a desirable neighborhood. Communities that are close to major highways, provide commuter trains to nearby cities and those that provide local public transportation ensure that residents can get to jobs, shopping and community activities easily.

2 – Park And Preserve Areas

Attractive parks and natural preserved areas always increase the value of homes that are in the area. These settings are important for children’s activities and for family enjoyment, but also singles that enjoy being outdoors, cycling, running and engaging in sports. Many park districts also offer lessons and programs for people of all ages. Some park districts offer swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts or fields for ball games. These amenities help to make a community a vibrant place where people get together, play together and socialize.

3 – Neighborhood Festivals And Events

Another perk that helps to promote community enjoyment and increase home values is organized festivals and other community events. Communities may celebrate their history or the founders of the town, which gives an area a strong sense of identity and continuity. Other places celebrate national holidays and other topics. These events provide a central place where residents can meet and get to know each other, as well as to attract public interest in the community as a whole.

4 – Convenient Shopping Venues

The community should have one or more local shopping areas for purchasing food, clothing and home care items. These stores are the most frequently visited venues that will save time and gasoline expense if they are located in close proximity to residential communities. This convenience is important to homeowners now and will continue to be of interest in the future.

Homes that are located in areas with these features tend to be popular with buyers, which increases their value over time. These properties are a good investment for families. Work with a real estate agent, like those at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, to find the perfect spot for your family. Carefully research the amenities in the area where you are considering a purchase, and find the desirable features that will keep neighborhood home values high.

Moving in with Mates: How to Break All the Myths and Truths

March 13, 2017adminFinances, Real Estate Tips, Tips for homebuyershome buyers, real estateLeave a comment

Renting a house/apartment with one or several friends is a great way to save money and enjoy the company of other people. However, while this step is rather common during college and after high school, it’s rarely considered a long-term arrangement. As soon as one roommate gets married or is able to afford their own place, they go their separate ways. What if there’s no marriage in sight and the financial prospects of each individual involved are not enough to get their own property? Well, if the present roommate situation works, and you get along well, buying a house with your friend(s) can be a smart investment. Before you make that big move, you need to be aware of some things.

The Pros of Buying a House with Your Friends

We’ve already mentioned some of the reasons people make this decision. The financial benefits are obvious. A joint property means that you’ll share all the costs including the deposit, transaction costs, mortgage payments, decoration, maintenance, monthly payments, repairs and household bills. Due to high prices on the housing market, many people don’t even consider purchasing a house. Joint ownership can be a useful solution for two families who could, in that way, afford a bigger property.

Agreeing on the Things that Matter

When the ownership status is regulated properly (each tenant can own different shares of the property and tenants can choose to leave their shares in a will or sell them, etc.), owning a property with a friend can save you a lot of trouble. It’s important to agree on things that can largely impact your co-habitation, especially money-related issues. That can include setting up a joint bank account for paying the mortgage or any other agreed shared expenses. A household rulebook is also a crucial point of discussion. You need to be very clear on the rules regarding guests, partners, pets, smoking, etc.

Starting from Scratch

Different people have different needs. Finding a property to meet the needs of one person (with or without a family) is hard. Finding a property that will suit two different people is next to impossible. If that’s the case for you and your friend, building your own home may be a better idea. This way you will be able to make everything just the way you like it from the ground up. The design can be adapted to provide you both with the privacy you need in order to lead independent lives. According to custom home builders from Brisbane your home can be built to individual specifications, but it can also be changed during the building process, so you can follow the construction and make decisions that will make cohabitation easier.

Consistency in Décor

Congratulations, you’ve bought/built your own property. Once the moving in process begins, you will need to decorate the place. Much like with the very design, it is difficult to choose one décor style that suits different persons. Of course, your bedroom, bathroom and other personal spaces should be off limits to the other tenant, and vice versa. If there is a common area, it should be decorated in a neutral manner, except if both tenants agree on one specific style. Although you and the other tenant will decorate your own spaces based on your preferences, keep in mind that there should still be a certain consistency in décor, so try to settle on one color palette or design era.

A Trial Period

You and your best friend get along great. You love spending time with each other, drinking coffee and hanging out in a cocktail bar. That seems as a great foundation for buying a house together, right? Wrong. If you have never before tried to live together you can’t be sure that your relationship will remain just as ideal. Maybe you’ll hate that your friend is smoking in the morning, or they will dislike your early bird habits. Maybe one of you is irresponsible with money. There are too many maybes to count. That is why it is better to have a trial period of renting a place, before going down the more permanent road.

Buying a house with your friend(s) can be a great decision, both financially and when it comes to social life. Still, there’s the danger of losing both a friend and an investment, so be very careful.

Making Sure Your Home Move Doesn’t Turn into a Nightmare

November 30, 2016adminDIY Projects, MovingDIY projects, home buyers, MovingLeave a comment

All those people who have moved home at least once in their lifetime will vouch for the fact that it is an overwhelming task, regardless if they moved just around the corner or to another part of the world. The stress of having to cover a myriad of activities in order for everything to go as smoothly as possible usually lingers for days after everything passed, not to mention the scope of it if anything serious went wrong after all. Here is what needs to be done so that it does not turn into a nightmare.

Every detail counts

Moving house is a serious task and requires careful planning in order to be successful. What this means is that it is better to take care of every little detail in advance than to be sorry you missed something and end up living your worst nightmare. To begin with, make a detailed checklist of all activities that need to be done. Secondly, make sure you follow it through to the end. Be realistic about your deadline. Do not expect to finish overnight and by all means, do not rush things by skipping anything from the list. If you feel you are way over your head in it, ask your friends for assistance, or hire a professional to help you finish everything smoothly.

Packing

In order to save time and pack everything safely, start packing way prior to your moving day. Start with out-of-the-season clothing and items that are rarely used. If possible, dedicate a spare room or a garage for packed items in order for them not to get in your way in the meantime. Use specialized boxes for sensitive items and additional packing paper for fragile items, especially those made of glass. Clearly mark every single box. It will make loading and unloading, and especially unpacking, a lot easier and save you a ton of time. Finally, take this opportunity and declutter in order to save some space.

Additional packing concerns

Even though boxes will be sufficient to cover the majority of small and mid-sized items, bulkier stuff needs to be protected as well, particularly mattresses and furniture. Using mattress bags is the easiest solution for the former, while furniture pads proved to be most convenient and efficient when the latter is concerned. When artwork and particularly fragile items are concerned, packing paper will not suffice on its own. Use bubble wrap first and then pack everything in packing paper for additional protection.

Choose a reliable courier

All the effort you made carefully packing all your belongings could be in vain if you choose an unprofessional or inexperienced courier. In order for all the items to reach their final destination, every step of the way counts, say the people behind Instatruck. Everything starts with choosing a truck with a volume suitable to transport all the goods without damaging them. Loading and arranging them within the desired volume is equally important for the transport to go smoothly. Unloading all the items is the final touch that no reliable courier would leave to chance. Once the items have reached their destination intact, it is solely up to you to safely position them in your new place.

Arranging everything in the new place

It is natural that once everything has reached the new destination, you wish to arrange all the items as soon as possible and get on with ordinary life. Once again, do not rush things or you will end up having to rearrange everything several times in order to put everything in its designated place. Read the labels on the boxes, put each in the right room and only then start to unpack. Take your time, enjoy this activity and make your new home immediately feel like one.

Taking your time and doing everything according to your detailed plan guarantees less stressful moving and minimizes the chances of turning it into a nightmare. And, before you know it, everything will be over and your new home perfectly arranged.

First 4 Things You Should Repair on That Fixer-Upper Home

November 22, 2016adminhome improvement, home remodeling, Tips for homebuyershome buyers, home improvement, home remodeling, home repairs, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

There are all kinds of reasons for buying a fixer upper home. Maybe the structure is going to be restored into your dream home. Maybe you just want to live in it for a few years while fixing it up to sell for a profit. Maybe it is all your budget will allow at the moment. Regardless, there are some things that need to be fixed first on fixer-upper residential homes. Here are the top four renovations you should consider early in the restoration of your bargain home purchase.

Replace the Roof

This is the part of the exterior of your home that gets pounded with everything from the hot sun to driving winds and rain. All of your interior upgrades and renovations that are next on your list can be ruined by even small leaks from a roof that is in poor condition.

You need to make sure that the roof over your head is keeping out the elements before upgrading any insulation, especially attic insulation. A qualified roof inspector can let you know if your roof is leaking even a little bit. Plus, because of how large a roof on a house is means that fixing it will make a dramatic difference in its visual curb appeal.

Update the HVAC System

Chances are the furnace and air conditioning system in the home is very old. The house obviously did not get into its fixer-upper status by a former owner who went all out with upgrades and renovations.

HVAC companies like Pacific Aire, Inc. offer expert advice for HVAC systems and advocate repair where possible and replacement when necessary. They typically advise us to keep in mind the statistic published by Energystar.gov, which indicates almost half of HVAC systems are incorrectly installed and correcting installation issues may be all that is necessary for an efficiently functioning system.

Replace Flooring

The floors are the first thing people notice when they come into your home. One of the first things you should do is to look underneath wall-to-wall carpeting in every room and hallway where it is installed. Owners of fixer-upper homes often find hardwood flooring that only needs refinishing. That nice shiny oak hardwood flooring that is so popular in new homes today may have been preserved under carpeting for decades.

Do not judge it by its current looks. Check it to make sure no holes have been cut and replaced with plywood and look for other serious damage. If the planks are intact, they can be sanded and refinished to shine like diamonds at far less cost than installing a new floor. For areas that do not have hardwood subflooring, clearance laminates, vinyl and ceramics are available at less than a dollar per square foot. Also, many flooring types are available for easy DIY installs.

Upgrade the Electrical Service

Even if you cannot get into the wiring in the walls that feed every outlet and ceiling fixture in your fixer-upper, you should install a new service panel including the main service entrance power cable and electrical meter box. Most building codes require a 200 amp breaker panel for a regular residential home. Some older fixer-upper homes have a 50 amp fuse box. This is completely inadequate for today’s families and their electricity needs.

If you have ungrounded, non-polarized outlets, that wiring should be replaced immediately too. You should never use an adapter to plug in your three-prong appliances. Upgrading the main service entrance, breaker box and household wiring is one of the wisest and safest things you can do first for your new bargain home.

Unless your fixer-upper home is really old, the plumbing is likely to use copper supply lines and PVC drains. If you suspect a terracotta sewer line underground, have it inspected by camera for tree root intrusion and broken pipes. Simply put, work on the infrastructure of your home first. Your renovations will go smoother as you go along if you have a sound infrastructure to work with.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

Building Inspections: The Need-To-Know

October 6, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Tips for homebuyershome buyers, home improvement, real estateLeave a comment

When buying a piece of property to proudly call their new home, many people fall into the trap of clever real estate marketing campaigns, which usually costs them thousands in additional expenses once the estate passes into their hands. Homebuyers with a tad more experience, on the other hand, know that minor oversights during preliminary property tours can result in major update costs later on, which is why they always base the final property purchase decision on objective building inspection reports. But what exactly do building inspectors do, and how can the unbiased assessment save you cash down the road?

ABC of Building Inspection

A building inspector holds qualifications and licenses that entitle them to review and report on the state of residential and commercial property for a set commission. In the audit, the building inspector will go over the building plans and the property itself to make sure it is compliant with relevant standards and regulations. During the inspection, the inspector will strive to identify defects or faults that may compromise residents’ safety and report thereon. A building inspector also has the authority to issue building permits prior to the beginning of construction, oversee the works to ensure observance of regulations on design, materials, and construction methods, propose solutions to potential issues, and certify the building plan compliance with relevant local standards upon completion of construction.

The Role of a Building Inspector

In order to ensure observance of valid building regulations and standards, the building inspector will undertake one or more of the following tasks.

Interpretation of building plans, regulations, standards and codes of practice;
Inspection of materials, structure, and workmanship for compliance with regulations;
Coordination of action plans during construction process;
Preparation of time scale estimates and costs prior to and during the building process;
Data collection with the help of surveying tools and photogrammetric equipment;
Provision of assistance to building managers, architects, and surveyors in construction planning and organization.

Down-To-Earth Report Details

If the list above sounds too complex for you, here are some practical examples of the defects a building inspector can uncover during the audit.

Structural faults, such as roof, flooring, or foundation defects which can compromise safety and well-being of residents and therefore need to be repaired before moving in;
Electrical system issues, such as wiring faults, smoke alarm defects, and low quality of installation workmanship;
Plumbing and sewer defects, such as drain, waste, and vent damage, as well as pipe, fitting, and water heater installation or operation faults;
Air-conditioning and heating system faults, such as blocked filters, valve defects, and poor installation quality;
Health hazards, such as presence of pests, mold and invisible toxins such as asbestos, water pollutants, and gas leaks, as well as balustrade, floor, ceiling, and wall defects, and other potential problems that can jeopardize residents’ health and safety;
Mechanical defects caused by age and wear which will require post-purchase repairs, updates, and makeovers that can cause additional costs.

Speaking the Inspector’s Lingo

Most building inspectors seem to speak a language of their own, riddled with vague terms such as ‘serviceable condition’, ‘conducive to deterioration’, and ‘deviations from the site plan’. For this reason, understanding the building inspection report can be a tough task for an average homebuyer unacquainted with technical vocabulary. To avoid misunderstandings, you should ask the building inspector to provide both a written and an oral elaboration on the state of the property you’re set on buying, and you can also ask them to produce a broad assessment of home repair and upgrade costs that will have to be covered if you decide to purchase the piece of property. On top of the inspection report and cost estimates, a certified building inspector will also be able to refer you to reliable environmental consulting experts for additional tests and audits to establish compliance of the estate with relevant health regulations and standards.

An unbiased building inspection can be a lifesaver for first-time homebuyers, as it will expose and point to structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical problems below fine frills and shiny polish which you’d otherwise overlook. Based on the inspector’s report, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on property purchase and avoid common mistakes that can set you back more than you ever thought was possible. For a cool bonus, you can try to use the specifics from the report to bring down the price of your future nest in the negotiations before you sign your name on the dotted line.

Ready to buy a home of your own and settle down? Make sure you get the property inspected before you dash off to sign the purchase contract: it will save you cash, nerves, and hassle later on. You’re welcome.

This article was written by Zoe Clark. Zoe is an environmentalist, home decorator and DIY enthusiast. When not obsessing about designing perfect homes, she is spending time with her family.

6 Features that Most Home Buyers Really Want to See

September 23, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homehome buyers, home improvement, real estateLeave a comment

When trying to sell your house, there are hundreds of things you should be concerned about. But most of these things are easily solved, and you’re left with important questions that interest all potential home buyers. In order to get the top dollar for your house, you have to take care of some of the most important features of your home. Listed below are 5 of the most important features every new homeowner checks before purchasing the house.

Cleanliness

Nothing will turn the buyers away from your house like dirt. If you are already selling the house, make sure it is clean and shining for the next couple of days or weeks, until you find the right buyer. This goes for the kitchen, the entrance area, the living room and the bathroom. Assuming that the bedrooms are clean and tidy, we advise that you focus on removing stains and grime from your kitchen and bathroom. The condition of the house has to be flawless, and that includes having a clean sink and a shiny bathroom at all times.

Bad Odors

If your home has a strange odor from food, your pets or your cigarettes, it is about time you do something about it. No one will buy a stinky house. Buyers don’t want to detect the smell of your recent food or your pet, so make sure you clean everything thoroughly. Use products and chemicals to help you completely remove the smell from the house, leaving it with a neutral smell. Add a pleasant aroma at the doorway in order to make your potential buyers feel like home.

A separate Laundry room

Most of the people shopping for a house look for a laundry room. Having a spacious room in which you can do your laundry every day is crucial. If you still don’t have one within your home, consider adding it. If your home is out of space, take it to the basement or create an external room outside the house. Laundry room matters, so don’t neglect it.

Take care of the cooling system

One thing every potential house buyer wants to see is a stable way of heating or cooling your home. Most of the time, this is achieved through air conditioning system, but there are some cases where buyers actually looked for antique or modern ceiling fans. These are rare nowadays, but increase the value of your home in case you have them installed. Also, modern versions are very effective and fit perfectly into every home décor. So before you show your home to your new potential buyers, make sure you have the cooling section covered in detail.

Get modern and energy-saving appliances

No one is attracted to all those kitchen appliances which spend more energy than they actually need. Throwing or selling those and replacing them with the new and modern ones will do the trick. Your new potential buyers will be thrilled by the fact that they won’t have to replace the entire kitchen set, and you will get a higher price on your house.

Repaint everything and remove all personal belongings

The house has to be in absolute perfect order. Before you open it for potential buyers, make sure you are finished repainting the house, as well as removing all of your personal belongings. You don’t want your buyers to imagine you still living there; you want them to imagine themselves living there. You can achieve this by removing all of your personal belongings from the house.

These 6 features are important for every house buyer, so ensuring that you fulfill them will bring you top dollar. Also, you might end up selling the house faster than you thought possible.

About author:

Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids, and offers helpful advice in hers parenting articles. She’s also passionate about traveling, fashion and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”

3 Secrets for Home Shopping

September 19, 2016adminReal Estate Tips, Tips for homebuyershome buyers, real estateLeave a comment

Everyone wants to have a home, but for many, this excellent goal is hard to achieve practically. What with high price inflation, and low salaries, the cost of a typical home in the United States is usually 4-5 times the annual wage of a typical worker. Many people throw up their hands in despair, and go for a long term mortgage loan in order to eventually meet their goal of home ownership. Sadly, this goal is often far away, and refinancing, along with recent housing crisis, causes it to not be as tangible as one might wish.

What are the secrets to becoming a home owner outright? For the first tip, Warren Buffett has a general phrase for all who want to practice his billionaire wisdom. “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful” How does this apply to housing?

When it comes to buying their first home, most people automatically jump to a multi-decade mortgage loan. The mortgage loan industry in the United States is gigantic for this reason, and the government incentives for refinancing are large. Citizens of this country are greedy in this area, judging by Buffett’s principle. Buffett would caution us to be fearful when others are greedy. Now, many people would say, “But how can I get a home then? The prices are so outrageous!”

This brings us to our second secret, sheriff’s and foreclosure auction web sites. Searching Google for auction and foreclosure brings up a lot of gems that just need a little polishing. Many places that are high crime, or have a reputation for being full of certain ethnicities that some are prejudiced against also have a very low price level. A great example is Detroit, Michigan. After the 2008 economic bailout of General Motors, the city of Detroit literally went bankrupt. There are still decent houses in Detroit selling right now for $1000 cash, out of the city’s desperation to sell. As a caveat, sometimes such houses have to be fixed up to code, but this is a far cry from a cracker box mansion that goes for 5 times a worker’s annual salary.

The third secret to home shopping is to look internationally. Sites like Land Watch and Craig’s List are a great place to start. Price levels overseas are usually far lower than in the US. Homes in China, the Philippines, or Mexico, are often within reach for 1 year of savings from a hard American worker. This technique profits from the distortions that are prevalent in global finance. Powerful countries often manipulate their currencies to be artificially high, so people will sell to them. Weak countries manipulate their currencies to be artificially low, so people will buy from them. This leaves a lot of undervalued assets just across the border. If an individual can swallow their patriotic pride, and consider investing overseas, the benefits are often immense.

Now, in selecting your home, it pays to remember what you actually need. Many people buy a home that is a cracker box mansion, but they are only in it for 3 hours a day. This home is pretty much a waste, and a drain on your personal finances. Identify what you actually need. If you need the huge mansion, then great, but the essentials are often met with much less.

Balancing quality and price are important as well. In the Detroit homes above, many people would shy away from such a purchase because of the perception of low quality. However, an ancient Jewish king once observed, “He who builds a high gate invites destruction.” Having a fancy home in a nice neighborhood can often make you a target for vandalism and theft. It is important if your home is nice to have at least a small home warranty, which adds an additional expense to an already overpriced asset. Keeping things simple, and laying aside prejudices can make even the poorest of us happy home owners.

Tricks for first time home buyers

July 27, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Tips for homebuyershome buyers, home trends, remodeling tips1 Comment

Buying a home for the first time can be one of the most exhilarating parts of many people’s lives. Many people only buy a home once or twice in their life, making it an incredible experience, if not slightly nerve wracking.

Unfortunately, the downside of only buying a few homes in one’s life is that many people know very little about purchasing a home and miss out on a lot of incredible opportunities that are available.

Here are a few tricks that real estate investors and professional buyers know and utilize to get good deals, analyze homes, and minimize risk.

Understand Renovations

Renovations can be both challenging and fun for new homeowners. However, they can also offer incredible opportunities if you know what to look for. Oftentimes a home that is in need of repairs will sell for significantly less than its ARV, or after repair value. People simply don’t want to deal with repairs, and sellers just want to get the property off their hands.

This means that you can buy a nicely modeled, newer home for say, $200,000. However, you could also buy a beaten up, older home for $140,000, put in $25,000 of repairs, making it equal in both value and modeling to the newer home, and save $35,0000 in the process. This also gives you complete control over what the home will look like, what kind of floors you like, paint colors, countertops, cabinets, etc.

This is also a form of appreciation. If you don’t know what appreciation is, appreciation is when your home’s value increases over time, meaning you can sell the home down the road, pay off your mortgage, and pocket the difference. This can be hundreds of thousands of dollars over long periods of time.

Doing significant repairs, like those mentioned earlier, can force appreciation on your home. This appreciation can be much higher than the amount of repairs put into the home. For example, you could put in $35,000 of repairs, and if the you made the right repairs the home would be worth $50,000 more. This means you just forced $15,000 in appreciation right off the bat. You now have a little cushion in case the value of your home drops.

Loans

Many people do not realize how much interest plays into their loan. When you first get a loan on a property, you will be paying more than half of your monthly payment straight to interest. This means that any drops that can be had in interest rates should be taken advantage of. Most people will not shop around for interest rates, believing that 1/2 a percent can’t make that much of a difference. In reality, that 1/2 percent can make a huge difference.

There are many brokers that can help you shop around without pulling your credit a dozen times. Find one that you like and stick with it.

Finding homes

Don’t just use one place to look for properties. Let’s use someone living in Atlanta Georgia for an example. They could use the Georgia MLS, they could try a site like Fizber that offers FSBO sales, they could drive around neighborhoods they like, or they could likely find some kind of local listings in their local paper etc. The point of this is that when you are buying something as important as your first home, it is important to do your research and know exactly what the market looks like and what a good deal is. If you spend time looking on multiple platforms you will better be able to recognize a good deal, and have a better idea of what you are looking for.