4 Updates Every Home Seller Must Do

4 Updates Every Home Seller Must Do

The secret to successful pre-sale home remodeling is to keep up with the Jones', but never surpass them. Whether you want to make more money than you spend, or just recoup your remodeling expenses when you sell your home, know what's standard in the neighborhood.

Does everyone have laminate kitchen countertops? Splurge on granite and you'll be the envy of your friends, but you won't get your money back at resale. Is your home in a high-end neighborhood?  Put in laminate countertops and your house will sell for less than full value, or worse yet, linger on the market for months.

Never be the last homeowner on the block to remodel. Homebuyers will pass up your property in favor of the one down the street where everything is already updated. Your home will sell slowly and for less money.

Before you pick up a hammer, visit real estate open houses and new home communities. Ask the builder to show you a spec home (that's an already built home without the model home's decorative features and upgrades).

The three main things in real estate are location, location and location.  Some homes will sell no matter what they look like depending on the location and, of course, the right price. The main things to keep in mind when remodeling are: neutral, clean, and classic. That will always recoup your money.

via frontdoor.com

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

Top 5 Things You Should Know to Help Sell Your Home Fast

Top 5 Things You Should Know to Help Sell Your Home Fast

 

While many markets around the country continue to experience challenges as the market makes its slow turnaround, Northern Kentucky Home Sales are fairly good compared to other areas, and it's  because we follow some simple rules. 

1. Curb appeal is key to selling your home

If it looks rundown from the outside, then it probably is on the inside too. Curb appeal is all about first impressions. Buyers want to feel like they could live in a home from the moment they pull up in front of it. Basic improvements such as exterior painting, cutting the grass and planting some flowers improve the look of a home from the outside tremendously.

2. Deodorize

Every home has a unique odor, especially if pets are present. Be sure to professionally clean the carpet and the furniture and replace carpets if necessary. Keep pets clean and the home free from dander. Consider taking pets and pet cages if present in the home with you when you leave for showings.

3. Really want to sell your home? Repair and repaint

A little putty and paint can make all the difference. Repair damaged dry wall, gouges in wood surfaces and paint the walls. Bright colors such as those in children’s rooms should be repainted with a neutral color. We like to repaint our Northern Kentucky homes with a neutral shade that will be attractive to a wide variety of buyers.

4. Put away your personal collections

Here, the old saying that one man’s treasure is another man’s junk rings true. De-clutter your home by packing up knick-knacks, heirlooms, personal collections, and even family photos. After all, they are special only to you and your goal is to make the home presentable to the widest number of people possible. Expensive collections should be packed away as well to keep them safe.

5. No guns, drugs or valuables

If you own a gun, be sure it’s unloaded and lock it away. Don’t leave it accessible to anyone viewing your home, especially anyone with children. The same is true for prescription drugs, fine jewelry, valuable art work, money and anything else you want to keep safe.

via rismedia.com

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

Housing Upgrades That Aren’t Worth It : Styled, Staged & Sold

Housing Upgrades That Aren’t Worth It

When upgrading, home owners often seek features that aren’t only desirable to them but also what will add value to the home when it comes time for resale. Certainly, the annual Cost vs. Vallue Survey can be one of your biggest assets in helping to advise clients. The annual survey by Remodeling Magazine, in conjunction with REALTOR Magazine, reveals specific remodeling projects that offer the biggest returns at resale.

But what is some more general advise to help guide home owners when it comes to upgrades?  Here are a few general tips on housing upgrades for resale that may or may not be worth the expense:

Too high maintenance. Many buyers aren’t looking for homes that require too much upkeep and maintenance (hence, part of the reason behind the small-home, downsizing movement). In-ground swimming pools are a prime example of a high-maintenance feature that may turnoff many buyers as they look at the upkeep of it as too costly and too much work.

 

Over-the-top. Home owners don’t necessarily want to have the most upgraded home on the block. That’s because when they go to sell it, they likely won’t make all their money back on the upgrades if the home becomes overvalued for the neighborhood. So while granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and all the top finishes are always an attraction, home owners need to ask whether such features are too much for their neighborhood, particularly if the other homes just have moderately priced cabinets or features.

Too personal. Too much customized design choices, such as a Tuscan theme taken to the extreme, may turn off buyers or attract low-ball offers at times of resale because buyers who may have differing tastes see the decor and finishes as something they have to do-over. Any time you deviate, no matter what the improvement is, from what is a fairly traditional, single-family house, you run the risk of improving in a fashion that will not lend itself to additional dollars.

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

 

via styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org

8 Factors That Devalue A Good Home - #5

5. Pets Gone Wild
Many people won't mind buying a home that has had resident animals, but no one wants to live with constant reminders of former owners' pets. Damage to carpets, walls or a strong smell of animals will put off some buyers - especially those with allergies. Consider letting your pets live elsewhere while the property is for sale. Also, a good cleaning and repairing of any visible damage will help to mitigate the potential devaluation of your home associated with pet ownership.

via sfgate.com

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

8 Factors That Devalue A Good Home - #4

4. Unappealing Curb Appeal
The first thing potential buyers will see is the exterior of the property. If the house appears to be outdated or in poor repair on the outside, people will assume it is the same for the inside. Water features or swimming pools and overly landscaped green space may turn off some buyers since people tend to associate high maintenance yards with expensive upkeep and unnecessary headaches. Old fences and sheds can also devalue your home, especially if they look like they're in dire need of replacement. Keep the gardens weeded and the lawn mowed so that potential buyers can see how nice the property is, inside and out.

via sfgate.com

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market - Part 5

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

 

This is exactly what my wife and I did as well when we sold our home.  When you have lived in a house for years, you often just don't pay attention to little things that a discerning buyer would.  Our home looked perfect inside and outside, front yard and back yard.  Our grass was always cut and trimmed.  No weeds in the landscaped areas.  Lots of annuals planted all around.  Think about it, you know yourself when you see a house (whether it is on the market or not) that is very well kept on the outside, you can pretty well count on it being very well kept on the inside.  The first impression when a buyer pulls in the driveway is the lasting impression they have of your home.  Make the most of it.

 

www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market - Part 4

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.  Often during the selling process a question will come up about a warrantee or guarantee that you may have on the existing property.  By having this information all together prior to listing the property, questions can be answered immediately should they arrise.  In addition, this information will prove to be extremely helpful to the new owner. 

 

www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market - Part 3

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

If it is possible, I would even recommend doing the replacement items yourself if you can.  Again, I refer to when I was selling my own home recently.  I got lots of bids and before putting the house on the market I replaced the roof, siding and put new windows in the house.  I knew that these three things were going to be stumbling blocks.  By already doing this big ticket repairs, my home sold quickly and for more money than then repairs actually cost me to do.  Being in the real estate business for over 22 years, I have compiled a good list of contractors that either I have used personally or my clients have used with good reviews.

www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market - Part 2

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

 

When my wife and I sold our house about 2 years ago, the shoe was on the other foot.  We were the "sellers" and we did everything I tell my sellers to do prior to putting their home on the market.  We went through 16 years worth of stuff.  We pitched and donated.  We got a storage unit and put stuff we wanted, but didn't want in our basement or garage.  We put our home in the very best light possible.  We staged every room in the house, even the front porch.  To be honest, our home looked so good my wife and I were not sure we really wanted to move out.  It all paid off.  We sold our home in a relatively short period of time, in a difficult market (just after the stock market crashed in the fall of 2008).  And, we got what we were realistically wanting for the house.  You can do the same if put the effort into preparing your home for sale before it goes on the market.

 

www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market - Part 1

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before your house is put on the market.  This avoids problems later on down the road.  Often times a seller is not aware of a problem.  When a buyer does write a contract on the property and has a home inspection, trouble areas can arise and the negotiating process starts all over again to address the issues uncovered by the buyer's home inspection. By doing a pre-sale home inspection these circumstances are completely eliminated.  Trouble areas are addressed prior to putting the house on the market and the buyer can purchase the property with peace of mind knowing that any troublesome issues have already been addressed and/or disclosed.

 

www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

4 Ways To Sell Your Home Faster And For More Money

4 Ways To Sell Your Home Faster And For More Money

We are constantly asked why do some homes sell faster than others?  Well, Lisa does a great job recapping just what it takes to move your home to the top of the list of potential buyers.  Well stated Lisa!

Via Lisa Udy Realtor Utah Real Estate Specialist (Logan Utah Real Estate The Platinum Real Estate Group):

Iriginal Source: 4 Ways To Sell Your Home Faster And For More Money

As a home seller, you want the most money, in the shortest amount of time possible when selling a home. Heck, who doesn’t? But how do you go about getting the most money in the least amount of time? That’s the golden question isn’t it? Well, here are a few tips to get you headed in the right direction:

 

Price Your Home Just Below Market Value

Most people price their homes above market value hoping to get an offer right around market value. But consider this: Which homes are selling the fastest in today’s market? Foreclosures and Short Sales.

The reason people are buying up foreclosures and short sale is simple, they are usually priced below market value. Even though most of these homes start out priced below market value, most of them sell for market value because of bidding wars.

Foreclosure and short sale Realtors know that if you price a home below market value, you can stir up more activity on the home, which will then bring in multiple offers. Multiple offers will create bidding wars. Bidding wars will raise the price people will pay for the home.

Besides, most real estate markets are declining, and in 3 months, your home will be worth less anyways. Why not take advantage of that market today before it bites you in the butt 3 months from now? Price ahead of the market and watch your home sell faster and for more money.

If you’re home is priced the same as the foreclosure down the street, yet in prestine condition, you can be sure those offers will be on your home and not the foreclosure.

A home priced ahead of the market will sell faster and for more money.

 

Finish The To Do’s Before You List, Not After

Getting your home ready to show is crucial. First impressions leave a lasting impression and you need to make sure your home sticks out amongst the crowd. And, if you haven’t noticed, the crowds are out in full force these days.

Market inventory, in many markets, is at all time highs! Paint the porch, clean the carpets, replace light bulbs, clean and paint walls, and anything else that needs to be taken care of.

A home that isn’t well maintained tells buyers the owners don’t take care of the place which will be reflected in any offers you receive.

A well maintained home will sell faster and for more money.

 

Get Rid Of The Personal Stuff

Buyers are looking for a home they can call their own. Give them a canvas to paint their own picture. Sure, little Johnny’s first doo-doo was cute, but you don’t need to display in on the fridge.

Personal pictures distract buyers from your homes features. I don’t know how many times I’ve walked through a home with buyers who stop and look at every picture. They want to see if they know the people who live in the home.

Personal pictures tell buyers someone else lives there, and it makes it harder for them to picture themselves in the home.

A home without personal clutter sales faster and for more money.

 

Keep It Clean And Smelling Nice

You have to be prepared to show your home at anytime. If you’re not, you may miss the opportunity to show your home to an out of town buyer that’s in just for the weekend. Or, if you show them your home when it’s not clean, you may also lose out.

A bad smelling home is a warning sign to buyers.Common household odors such as pet urine, smoke, and mold tell buyers to run for the hills. Get rid of the odors and the odor producers.

If you’re a smoker, smoke outside. If you have pets give them to a family member while you’re on the market. If you have mold or mildew smells, use some vinegar to get rid of it, cover it with baking soda, and spray some Febreeze.

Before a buyer comes over, bake some cookies for a nice homely smell, or light a fresh scent candle. You can also put a bowl of vinegar in various places to neutralize odors while spraying some odor cover ups like Lysol or Glade.

A clean, fresh smelling home sells faster and for more money.

 

If you need to sell your home fast but don’t want to give it away, you have to be prepared to put a little work in. Clean up your house so that Martha Stewart would be proud, price your home ahead of the market, get rid of your personal stuff, and make sure all repairs are done and presentable.  Happy selling!

via activerain.com

This is exactly the same information I give my clients on a daily basis. Selling a house today is not the same as it was even 3 or 4 years ago. It must be turn-key ready. These are good tips on how to make it that way.