Ask the Experts – How to price a home to sell is one of the most difficult challenges facing real estate brokers and their agents. Sellers attentively listen to their Realtors’ recommendation on the market value and recent sales in the neighborhood. And subsequently hike the sales price up with the belief that they can reduce the price later. The flip side of this scenario - the agent agrees with the higher price! Most real estate agents is excited to get a new listing and will gladly accept the high price listing with a mutual agreement that the sales price be reviewed after 30 - 45 days of marketing the property. With this contingency or agreement in place you can be assured the home will not become stale on the market which results in a lack of overall activity. Price the home from the start realistically comparing similar properties with the current market conditions and recent sales in your neighborhood! As a seller you do not want to not look like a clueless homeowner. … [Read more...]
A True Grant of $1,500 to Help Buyers
A true grant of $1,500 to help buyers with their closing costs is now available from the State of Maryland. This grant adds a little more sizzle to your loan options and purchasing power. The grant assistance runs from June 28th to September 30th 2017 in EVERY county throughout the State of Maryland. A buyer wishing to use the grant must have their loan registered during this time period. The grant funds can only be used for closing costs and cannot be used for the down payment. It can be combined with the other State of Maryland down payment programs. It also must be used in conjunction with conventional loans only which require a minimum 640 credit score. Scenario #1: A buyer wants to purchase a home for $200,000. The minimum the buyer has to contribute is 3% for the down payment. The Grant Assist program will cover the BALANCE of down payment. Let's say the closing costs is approximately $9,000 and the seller has agreed to give 2.5% or … [Read more...]
Is Staging Worth the Investment?
Is staging worth the Investment? Many home sellers are told they should stage their home before having it shown to potential buyers. But, professional staging can get expensive, and recent research found that it may not have a significant impact on sale price. So, is it worth the cost? Industry experts say yes – it probably is. The cost of hiring a stager varies considerably, based on the level of staging you want, the furniture you use, and where you live. Services range anywhere from $300 for a consultation to thousands of dollars for staging and monthly furniture rental. The goal of staging is: Allowing buyers to imagine themselves living in your home; Showing off your home’s best features, while drawing attention away from its flaws; Creating a mood; and Making the home look better in listing photos. All of the above gives buyers a more favorable impression of your home’s livability, which can help the home to sell faster. And, the faster it … [Read more...]
Digital Upgrades to Help you Sell
Digital Upgrades to help you sell – In our latest addition of “Insights on Real Estate” it describes technologies that can make your home more attractive to prospective buyers. Experts say these digital upgrades could give you a leg up on other sellers. Smart door bells – These door bells are equipped with microphones or cameras that are activated when someone approaches the door or rings the bell. With the use of your smartphone you can hear or see who is at the door. And respond to them – even if you’re not home! Smart locks – These locks can be opened with a tap of your phone. Or just close proximity to the door via a Bluetooth connection. They are convenient and eliminate the need to pass out extra keys to house guests or regular house workers such as cleaning services or contractors. Smart lighting – Light bulbs tied to smartphones can give homeowners a feeling of luxury. With many options available such as synchronizing the lights to … [Read more...]
Home Inspections – How to Get the Most Value
Home Inspections - How to Get the Most Value: One of the most stressful parts of selling a home is the dreaded home inspection. Getting the most value from a home inspection is crucial, especially since any missed item can cause a significant amount of trouble a few years or decades down the road. With that in mind, let's take a look at a few tips on how one can get the most value from a home inspection. Home Inspections - How to Get the Most Value : Keep Calm And Allow the Inspector to Have Full Control For sellers - having a stranger paw through every corner of their house is frustrating. To a seller their home have emotional value and no one wants to hear about their homes' flaws. The key to a successful inspection lies in remaining calm. Blowing a fuse or arguing with an Home Inspector is a sure way to lose money! Stay calm, smile, and accommodate the inspectors instructions. The payoff is worth it! How to Get the Most Value - Understanding The Process Buyers … [Read more...]
Thinking About selling a home with Tenants still living inside
Thinking about selling a home with tenants still living inside – A condo or a house you have rented out for some additional revenue? If so, you're likely trying to discern how to best inform the current tenants and conduct the sales process in a way that works well for all of the parties involved. In today's blog post we'll explore how to sell your home while you're renting it out to tenants and share three tips that can make the process a bit easier. #1: Review Local Laws and Your Tenancy Agreement First, you'll want to break out your tenancy agreement and download any state, provincial or municipal laws that apply to landlord-tenant relations. Selling a home with renters living in it can result in a number of sticky situations. You'll want to ensure that you conduct yourself in accordance with the rule of law in your local area or you may end up in court if the process goes sour. #2: Communication is a Vital Part of the Process Next, you'll need to … [Read more...]
How Home Equity Works – Buying a Home can be Your Best Investment
How home equity works - buying a home can be your best investment... When delving into the world of real estate and investment property, there are many terms that will come up that require further explanation. Whether you've never heard the phrase 'home equity' before or you have a little familiarity, here are the ins and out of what it means and how this asset can help your financial outlook. All About Home Equity Essentially, home equity refers to your portion of the value of your home. The dollar amount of this figure is important because it is included among your assets when determining your net worth. If this sounds confusing, think of it this way: if you have completely paid off the cost of your home, the value of your home equity is this total amount. Of course, because most people seek a lender to borrow money from when they purchase a home, their home equity would consist of their down payment and whatever amount they've paid down on the mortgage since … [Read more...]
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