By Erin Devine, DIY Home & Floor Blog
Often, home owners want to update the kitchen with granite countertops, install new flooring or renovate the basement to make their homes more appealing to buyers. Before you begin planning your renovations, however, come up with a blueprint for how much value these will add to your new home.
Here are some tips on what to consider when calculating the costs and benefits of performing a home renovation project: Continue reading »
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
Certain dated design features in a home can really make some home buyers cringe. Could your listing have one of them?
A recent article at AOL Real Estate spotlights a few pet peeves of home buyers when touring homes today. Among the items making their list:
1. Popcorn ceilings: The speckled ceilings can attract dirt and be impossible to paint. Plus, if the home was built prior to 1980, the ceiling may contain asbestos and need to be tested by an inspector. Fix it: Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for removing popcorn ceilings; it can get messy. It’ll have to be scraped off and the ceiling then will need to be repaired. Plus, you’ll want to have it tested for asbestos before scraping. Home owners will likely want to consider hiring a professional to do this.
2. Carpeting everywhere: Many home buyers today have a fondness for hardwoods over wall-to-wall carpeting. Carpeting can show spots and dirt, which can serve as a quick turn-off to potential buyers who prefer the more polished look of hardwoods. Fix it: Have the carpet professionally cleaned if your seller can’t afford to swap out the carpet for hardwoods. Make sure the carpet is spot-free and looking new. If sellers are willing to spend some money, they might consider installing hardwoods on just the first floor or in just the dining room (pre-finished laminate can cost less). This allows the home to be marketed as having hardwoods, which could possibly draw in more potential buyers who won’t consider a home without.
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
Both real estate agents and home sellers see the value in simple home improvement projects, saying they believe small renovations can go a long way in helping a home sell faster and for more money, according to a recent Realtor.com survey.
Home sellers may not need as much convincing as previously thought on the reasons why you should spruce up your property before the for-sale sign goes up, according to a survey of 450 REALTORS® and more than 1,600 home owners.
But as sellers realize the importance of home improvement projects to improve a home sale, are they targeting the right projects to attract home buyers?
Apparently so, according to the survey.
Sellers and agents agree on the top three areas of a home that sellers should focus their most time and budget on with home improvement projects. Those are: Continue reading »
By Myra Nourmand
One person’s junk is another’s treasure. After doing your preliminary walk through, you realize that your client’s home needs help.
On the one hand, you want to say, “Toss those magazines in the recycle bin, and while you’re at it get rid of that purple paisley sofa.”
On the other hand, you don’t want to offend. So how do you get your point across in a kind, professional way?
Successful Selling Requires Being Aware of Your Audience
Imagine that your client, Steve, is a hunter. His home showcases his greatest conquests—it’s a proud display of his surf and turf treasures. A married couple tours Steve’s home. Their horrified expressions reveal their animal rights lifestyle. No sooner than you can say “PETA” — the deal is off.
To avoid this, first, compliment Steve on his pursuit. Then share that for the sake of selling the home at the highest possible price it’s in his best interest to put his trophies away.
How to Clear Closets of Clutter
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