Simple Tips for Better Home Showings

Simple Tips for Better Home Showings

1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.
2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.
3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It’s worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.
4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help.
5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets. Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.
6. Don’t disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well-maintained.
7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.
8. Patch holes. Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
9. Add a touch of color in the living room. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.
10. Buy a flowering plant and put it near a window you pass by frequently.
11. Make centerpieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.
12. Set the scene. Set the table with fancy dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. For example, in the basement you might display a chess game in progress.
13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.
14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.
15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.
16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement), and let the real estate practitioner know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises.
17. Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. While a real estate salesperson will be on site during the showing or open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.
18. Leave the home. It’s usually best if the sellers are not at home. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

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 realtormag.realtor.org

How to Hold a Successful Garage Sale

How to Hold a Successful Garage Sale

Garage sales can be a great way to get rid of clutter — and earn a little extra cash — before you sell your home. But make sure the timing is right. Garage sales can take on a life of their own, and it might not be the best use of your energy right before putting your home on the market. Follow these tips for a successful sale.

1. Don’t wait until the last minute. You don’t want to be scrambling to hold a garage sale the week before an open house. Depending on how long you’ve lived in the home and how much stuff you have to sell, planning a garage sale can demand a lot of time and energy.
2. Get a permit. Most municipalities will require you to obtain a special permit or license in order to hold a garage sale. The permits are often free or very inexpensive, but still require you to register with the city.
3. See if neighbors want to join in. You can turn your garage sale into a block-wide event and lure more shoppers if you team up with neighbors. However, a permit may be necessary for each home owner, even if it’s a group event.
4. Schedule the sale. Sales on Saturdays and Sundays will generate the most traffic, especially if the weather cooperates. Start the sale early, 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. is best, and be prepared for early birds.
5. Advertise. Place an ad in free classified papers and Web sites, and in your local newspapers. Include the dates, time, and address. Let the public know if certain types of items will be sold, such as baby clothes, furniture, or weightlifting equipment. On the day of the sale, balloons and signs with prominent arrows will help to grab the attention of passersby.
6. Price your goods. Lay out everything that you plan to sell, and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember, garage sales are supposed to be bargains, so try to be objective as you set prices. Assign simple prices to your goods: 50 cents, 3 for $1, $5, $10, etc.
7. If it’s really junk, don’t sell it. Decide what’s worth selling and what’s not. If it’s really garbage, then throw it away. Broken appliances, for example, should be tossed. (Know where a nearby electrical outlet is, in case a customer wants to make sure something works.)
8. Check for mistakes. Make sure that items you want to keep don’t accidentally end up in the garage sale pile.
9. Create an organized display. Lay out your items by category, and display neatly so customers don’t have to dig through boxes.
10. Stock up on bags and newspapers. People who buy many small items will appreciate a bag to carry their goods. Newspapers are handy for wrapping fragile items.
11. Manage your money. Make a trip to the bank to get ample change for your cashbox. Throughout the sale, keep a close eye on your cash; never leave the cashbox unattended. It’s smart to have one person who manages the money throughout the day, keeping a tally of what was purchased and for how much. Keep a calculator nearby.
12. Prepare for your home sale. Donate the remaining stuff or sell it to a resale shop. Now that all of your clutter is cleared out, it’s time to focus on preparing your house for a successful sale!

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 realtormag.realtor.org

How to Make $5,000 Stretch in a Kitchen Remodel

How to Make $5,000 Stretch in a Kitchen Remodel

A “minor” kitchen remodel will cost home owners, on average, $21,695, according to the Cost vs. Vallue survey, an annual report by Remodeling magazine, in cooperation with REALTOR® Magazine, that reveals the top remodeling projects offering the highest returns at resale. Home owners stand to recoup about 72 percent (or $15,790) of that investment from a kitchen remodel when it’s time to sell too.

So the kitchen can offer some big payback at times of resale, but for the average home owner, $21,000 nowadays may be too much for their budget. So what should you do when a dated kitchen is still in desperate need of some TLC?

Here's how to transform a kitchen for less than $5,000. Paint the cabinets, add new countertops, replace the faucet, add a stainless steel kitchen island, and accessorize to give the kitchen an updated, fresh look. What are your best ideas for remodeling a kitchen on a tight budget?

via styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org

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

4 Updates Every Home Seller Should Avoid

4 Updates Every Home Seller Should Avoid

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.

You may need a home office and your kids may want a playroom, but you're not likely to recoup the costs of either of those improvements.

Kiss some cash goodbye when you do these money-draining updates:

• Home Office
• Upscale Master Addition
• Family Room Addition
• Upscale Kitchen Remodel

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

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

What Not to Do When Your Home Is on the Market

What Not to Do When Your Home Is on the Market

 

There is a lot of advice available for those looking to sell their home these days. Instead of telling you want to do to sell your home in today’s market, let’s focus on what not to do.

1.) Do not defer on basic home maintenance. Slacking on basic home care can be extremely risky and is likely to attract the wrong kind of buyer. Best case scenario, houses that need a lot of work will attract a property flipper, known for their low offers. A house that is run down almost always makes a negative first impression and tends to seem like a headache to buyers.

2.) Do not leave up wallpaper and borders. These personal décor elements, along with murals and specialized painting applications, only work to narrow the seller’s buyer pool. Sellers need to remember the importance of neutralizing their home with modern paint hues that appeal to a broader audience.

3.) Do not block the front of the house with shrubbery. Prospective buyers often drive by homes for an initial viewing, before they decide whether or not they want to make an appointment for a showing. If the house is blocked by trees and bushes, buyers do not get an accurate or appealing view of the home. Curb appeal is an essential aspect to getting the best possible offer.

4.) Do not try to sell an unfurnished home. Builders don’t spend thousands of dollars staging model homes for fun; they do it because it helps sell more homes in less time at a higher price. Buyers want to picture what their lives will look like if they buy your house and if there isn’t furniture they tend to lose concept of size and space. Homes lacking furniture seem sterile and lack appeal and warmth; furniture also helps define a room’s function.

5.) Do not stick around for showings and open houses. When sellers are present during showings, prospective buyers tend to feel awkward and will rush through the appointment. Having the seller present might also discourage buyers from commenting or asking important questions about the house. In addition, sellers in the majority of cases are personally attached to the home and will tend to point out the wrong things to buyers. Agents are trained to showcase selling qualities, not their personal favorites.

Unfortunately there is no perfect formula to getting your home sold, but by following these tips and working with a skilled agent, sellers will heighten their chances at closing the deal quickly at the right price.

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

4 Don’ts When Selling a Home : Styled, Staged & Sold

4 Don’ts When Selling a Home

1. Don’t slack off on home maintenance. Houses in need of TLC often attract investors or property flippers, which are known for submitting low-ball offers. To attract offers and the highest bids, sellers should attend to any upkeep and maintenance issues before putting the house for sale.

2. Make sure the home isn’t being overshadowed outside. Nothing kills curb appeal more than a home you’re selling that you can’t even see. Be sure to trim trees or bushes to ensure they aren’t blocking any windows or the exterior of the home.

3. Remove wallpaper. Wallpaper and borders can be a nuisance to remove so you might want to take these personal decor touches down before you list the home. Neutralize the homes in subtle colors that will appeal to the most buyers and allow buyers to better visualize their personal decor moving in.

4. Don’t keep an empty home empty. Buyers can struggle in picturing themselves moving in if a home is left empty. Vacant homes can feel cold and rooms can look smaller than they really are. That’s why why builders spend thousands of dollars staging model homes. If your listing is vacant, consider staging it to bring in furniture and accessories to help define the various rooms functions.

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

My House is Worth What?

My House is Worth What?

Imagine you're a contestant on The Price is Right. The announcer has asked you to "come on down," and you've correctly picked the right value for a bottle of hand soap and a brand new washer. Now, Drew Carey (or Bob Barker, if you favor the reruns) pulls up door number three to reveal...your house! Could you correctly identify its value?

Most sellers think they know at least a ballpark figure for their house, but most are way off, especially in a volatile market. It's important to know what your home is worth without the rose-colored glasses before you decide to sell, and then learn strategies that work to get it sold.

This week we will look into - Weighing the options to find your homes value. - To FSBO or not to FSBO - Fix Before You List - Name Your Own Price

So check back each day and find out how to get the right price for your house.

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

Downsize Your Home To Downsize Expenses

Downsizing your home is most commonly associated with empty-nesters and retirees looking for smaller spaces after the kids have moved out, but it's also becoming a more popular move for a growing number of hard-working, money-smart homeowners. It's also a move that makes a lot of financial sense.

From a corporate perspective, the whole concept of downsizing is financial. Companies close facilities, shed business lines and lay off workers in order to save money. When they do,  cheers and stock prices rise because Wll Street lower expenses lead to bigger profits. The exact same thing occurs, on a smaller and more personal scale, when you downsize your house.

via investopedia.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 - #7

7. Sinister Reputation
Well-known crimes, deaths or even urban legends associated with your house or neighborhood can decrease the value of a home immensely. Most people don't want to live in a home where they feel that something awful has happened, much less move in with your alleged resident ghost! Though these kinds of issues may be out of your control, they may certainly have an impact on the resale value of your home.

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

Homeowners Recoup More with Exterior Replacement Projects - Part 4

Upscale fiber-cement siding replacement was judged by REALTORS® as the most cost effective among siding projects, recouping 80% of costs. Among the window replacement projects covered, upscale vinyl window replacements were expected to recoup the most, 72.6% upon resale. Another exterior project, a wood deck addition, tied with a minor kitchen remodel for the fourth most profitable project recouping an estimated 72.8% of costs.

via rismedia.com

I was surprised to discover that a wood deck addition recouped a higher percentage amount than a composite deck addition. I suppose it is because it is nearly half as much more in cost than regular wood decking, but I thought that the low maintenance factor would make up for the difference. It just goes to show you, that everything boils down to cost.

www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

Homeowners Recoup More with Exterior Replacement Projects - Part 3

REALTORS® provided their insight into local markets and buyer home preferences within those markets. Overall, REALTORS® estimated that homeowners would recoup an average of 60% of their investment in 35 different improvement projects, down from an average of 63.8% last year. Remodeling projects, particularly higher cost upscale projects, have been losing resale value in recent years because of weak economic conditions.

According to the report, replacement projects usually outperform remodel and addition projects in resale value because they are among the least expensive and contribute to curb appeal. Various types of siding and window replacement projects were expected to return more than 70% of costs.

via rismedia.com

You must remember that every day your home is on the market you are losing money. To make an investment in some updating projects may mean you don't necessarily recoup 100% of the cost, but when you equate that to a much faster sale, you are saving in the long run. Buyers are very savvy and when your house is not up-to-date and well cared for it will reflect in the sale price without a doubt.