Meet Me Outside

7 Ways to Make Your Home More Appealing to Buyers

When you're ready to sell your house, it pays to assess your home and make improvements before the for-sale sign goes in the yard. By doing so, you'll help buyers see the beauty of your home -- and that helps put the sold sign up faster. Especially in today's tough market for home sellers, attention to details and a willingness to go the extra mile can make all the difference.

 Here is a list of tips to make your home stand out from the rest.

Be objective

                                             

One of the hardest things for homeowners is to see their house from a buyer's perspective. If you can't be objective about how your home looks, take pictures of it. Take photos from the street, the kitchen, living room and master bedroom. These are the rooms that matter most to buyers.

Start at the front

                        

Give the front of your home a makeover. Hire a landscape company to freshen the grounds, trim shrubs and trees, and add mulching. Repaint the mailbox, add new house numbers and hide trashcans. These improvements help hook buyers at the curb, enticing them to view your home.

Add Life

Invest in good quality real or silk plants. Spindly plants are eyesores. Look in any d¿¿cor magazine and you'll notice how plants are placed attractively in the room. Use these as guides on what plants to buy and where to place.

Put Money Into Your Kitchen

Investing in the kitchen is one of the best returns on investment for homeowners. The kitchen is the one room that really excites buyers, so make it work for you by adding a new backsplash, fresh coat of paint on the cabinets and trendy pulls. Dated lighting, peeling laminate and crowded countertops will have buyers backing out of the house.

Set The Table

Model homes and homes in design magazines always feature a dining room table that's set, but few homeowners with homes for sale set the formal dining room table. Setting the table makes the room inviting and helps buyers imagine themselves in it.

Open The Door To Sales

The front door is the first place on your home a prospective buyer sees and touches when they arrive. Repainting or revarnishing the door and polishing up the hardware will create a vision of beauty and buyer anticipation because it says the house is cared for right up front.

Create A Focal Point In Every Room

Each room should have a feature that defines the space. A focal point helps visually draw buyers into the room -- and where the eyes go, the heart often follows. Using the photos you've taken earlier, plan a focal point for the main rooms of the house, including the kitchen.

Buyers Offer More For A Staged Home

Fixing your home before selling......

Buyers tend to want listings that are in move-in condition. For that reason, sellers often put a lot of time and money into prepping their homes for market to realize the largest profit possible from the sale. But, is it worthwhile to fix a property up before selling if it is in a dismal state?

It's usually worthwhile to fix up a needy property in a good location that has great potential and that can be improved considerably with cosmetic improvements.

The reason why it makes sense to go through the effort is that most people don't have good imaginations and can't envision what a house might look like with work done to it. They simply relate to what they see.

For example, last year a grand old home sold in Oakland, Calif. Neighbors went directly to the sellers and asked if they could take a look at the house before it was fixed up for marketing. The sellers agreed and showed them the house. The buyers didn't like what they saw.

The house was subsequently improved by removing wall-to-wall carpet and refinishing the original hardwood floors that were underneath the carpet. The entire interior of the house was painted in beautiful decorator colors. Light fixtures were updated; the yard was spruced up; and the house was staged for sale. The transformation was stunning.

The property sold with multiple offers for considerably over the asking price. The buyers who had turned the property down before the house was fixed up were one of the four bidders; they weren't the ultimate buyers.

HOME SELLER TIP: 

There's a tip to be gleaned from this experience that's relevant to all sellers. Don't let a prospective buyer look at your home until it has been prepared for sale. Buyers remember what they see, not what you tell them the house will look like when you're done with the prep work. You could lose a good prospect by showing your home before it is ready.

Circumstances may not permit you to do much to a fixer property before you put it on the market. You might be short of funds or have a pressing deadline. In this case, the best approach can be to take advantage of the fact that the property you're selling is a fixer-upper. In other words, market it as a fixer.

Some sellers bridle at the notion of calling their home a fixer-upper. But, it can make good marketing sense. A certain segment of the market is looking for fixer properties that can be improved to increase value. In fact, these buyers sometimes overpay for the perceived potential.

Even though you might get lucky and sell a loser house for more money that you thought was possible, don't lose sight of the fact that you're marketing to a limited pool of buyers. Most buyers won't even look at a fixer because they don't have the time, expertise or resources to turn a property around. Listing a fixer at an enticing price is an important part of selling it for a good price. The list price should reflect concessions made for work that needs to be done.

To attract a fixer buyer, make sure you get broad marketing exposure. It's also a good idea to have pre-sale inspections done. Make the reports available to buyers to review before they make offers. This will help to minimize the chance of a deal falling apart when the buyer finds out the extent of the necessary work.

THE CLOSING: 

Even if you don't do fix-up work, the yard and house should be clean and free of debris so that the fixer buyers with vision will be able to see what the property has to offer.

Curb Appeal Matters (Even When You're Not Selling)

First impressions aren’t just important in the business world; they’re also crucial in the real estate world. Consequently, curb appeal is a detail that shouldn’t fall to the wayside, whether you’re currently selling your home or not. While it goes without saying that attention to curb appeal can make all the difference in getting a prospective buyer to part with thousands of dollars more when a sale occurs, there are plenty of reasons to boost your home’s curb appeal now (even if a “For Sale” sign isn’t posted on your front lawn).  

If you really pay attention to the way your home looks from the street, your mind won’t necessarily be drawn immediately to home sales. After all, pride in your home’s appearance maintains the value of your investment and curb appeal also attracts good neighbors. If another home is for sale on your street, strong curb appeal keeps a neighborhood’s values intact. New neighbors also will be committed to home upkeep if other homes set a positive example.  

Here are a few tips to improve your home’s curb appeal: 

Clean up

If you have kids, a messy array of toys sprawled across your front lawn isn’t the most appealing look. Keep your front lawn as tidy as possible and your garage clean enough so that you can park your vehicle inside, as both actions add to your home’s curb appeal. And if you have any lingering weeds or dead plants, then it doesn’t take much time to remove them.

Personalization

No one wants to buy a home that looks like all other homes and therefore you probably don’t want to live in a home that doesn’t reflect your tastes and uniqueness. Curb appeal also can be a means of self-expression, such as whether you love brilliant colors or prefer a more subdued palate. A strong landscape design can really make your home stand out from the crowd.

 

Doors and Windows

If your doors and windows are showing significant wear-and-tear, then you may want to consider upgrading or cleaning them because they are some of the first items that people notice. Chipped paint on the front door or dirty windows detract from your home’s look and can be easily fixed with a fresh coat of paint or window washing.

Porch

People may be more likely to camp out in front of a television rather than on a front porch, but a porch significantly adds not only to the selling value of a home but its curb appeal as well. If your home has a porch, ensure that it is free of dirt and that there is inviting outdoor furniture—all of which makes for a home that looks welcoming.

Outdoor Lighting

From a visual standpoint, portable outdoor lamps, solar garden lights, or other means of outdoor lighting can really bring out your home’s exterior features and keep your home looking sharp during the evening hours.

It’s clear that whatever you do, curb appeal is an important part of your home and it comes down to planning and execution. 

How often are homes sold above asking price?

10 tips for homebuyers and sellers in 2014

Goodness, is it 2006 again? At the dawn of 2014, it feels like it. 

Homeowners enjoyed double-digit price growth in the first half of 2013, greatly exceeding experts' predictions of a year ago and even settling into pre-recession values in many markets. Though there was some softening in the second half, sellers remain in their element and are turning the screws on anxious buyers who fear further price spikes and escalating interest rates. New-construction home sales are up, previously underwater properties are in positive equity again and investors are turning their attention to "secondary markets" to find value. Economists expect house prices to rise another 4 percent to 5 percent in 2014, meaning remaining bargains will get even more sparse.
With that in mind, here are 10 tips befitting the up-market of 2014.

Sellers: Jump-start the process.You may be an avowed procrastinator, but if you want to sell a house this year, start planning now. The process, say sellers, always takes longer than expected. So get your home inspected now; there may be unseen major repairs to address. Declutter, clean closets and shelves, store extraneous possessions and furnishings and other stuff that might keep sellers from picturing themselves in your space. Attend an open house or two to get an idea of how to stage yours. And move along: Owners still waiting for the market to peak should beware that this real estate cycle may be shorter-lived than last.
Check mortgage interest rates available in your area.

Buyers: Be credit-ready.

There's a lot of competition out there for homes, so tarry not. Get your credit report and start repairing any blips. If your scores are below 620 or so, a conventional loan will be a challenge. But if they're under 740, you still might not get the best rates. Many buyers get a prequalification letter from the lender, but you can one-up them with a preapproval, which comes after a more thorough evaluation of your finances. A preapproval letter shows the seller that you're good to go and can close quickly.

Sellers: Vet your real estate agent, then follow the agent's advice.

Sellers lose time and money by hiring poorly. Interview several potential agents. You'll want a full-timer who is Web savvy and uses mobile technology, because at least 4 in 5 buyers view their homes first online. Your agent should be a proven performer in your submarket and be willing to walk you through the financial aspects of your deal. The more the agent knows about schools, commutes and other local details, the better. Once vetted, accept your agent's advice on pricing, marketing and negotiation.

Buyers: Adjust your negotiating expectations.

Lowball offers are off the table in this environment and could eliminate you from consideration. Respond to counteroffers quickly to keep other buyers from entering the picture; you don't want to encourage a bidding war. If one breaks out, be prepared to get fewer concessions and pay more money. And have a few other homes in mind so you can be willing to walk away if the price soars.
 Sellers: It's your market (finally) so make the most of it.At long last, it's a seller's market! While you're interviewing agents, be wary of those offering too-good-to-be-true price opinions because they may be trying to "buy" your listing. And don't jump at that first (seemingly) generous offer, especially if sellers are getting multiple offers. If you're getting your price and then some, give something back to the buyer in good faith, such as an early move-in date or some personal property you're not attached to. Never let the buyers' agents know what you're willing to do, though. Make them ask.

Buyers: Find life after foreclosure.

Have a foreclosure in recent years? Join the crowd. Though you might think you have to wait seven years to get another conventional mortgage, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the FHA say they actually require just a three-year waiting period if the foreclosure was caused by extenuating circumstances. There are plenty of nonconforming lenders -- often called "shadow bankers" -- out there if you can endure a big down payment (around 20 percent) and above-market interest rates. Or consider a lease-purchase or lease-option where you pay the homeowner a monthly premium above your rent for the right to buy at a set price later.

Sellers: Hesitate to renovate.

We hear that newly renovated homes are easier sells, and that's true. So is it time to remodel that outmoded kitchen? Not if you plan to sell soon. According to remodeling surveys, the average renovation project returns only about two-thirds on investment. For example, a major bathroom remodel costing $15,000 yields about $10,000 in resale value. The same goes for a major kitchen remodel. In most cases, it would be cheaper to issue credits to buyers or drop your price a few grand. Lighter jobs like new doors are more practical and return about 85 percent. But feel free to spend a bit on paint (basic colors), curb appeal and fence replacement to enhance exteriors.

Buyers: Ask and you won't receive (an unpleasant surprise).

You'd be dismayed at the things sellers aren't obliged to disclose in most states, including on-premises felonies, suicide, murder or a neighboring sex offender. Don't be afraid to thoroughly question the selling party in writing before signing the contract. Some questions: Is there a cell tower, water tower, natural gas well, oil well or other non-residential construction scheduled to be built in this neighborhood (then define "neighborhood")? Is there commercial zoning on nearby vacant land? Is the yard prone to flooding? Are train whistles or other regular loud noises audible there? Did known criminal activity occur in the house? Have there been reported hauntings? Are there loud neighbors, dogs or other noise pollution? Are there registered sex offenders or other known criminals living nearby? If the selling party refuses to answer any of these questions, that's a bright red flag.

Sellers: Tailor your local game.

Folks who base their selling decisions on trends on cable news are often left wondering, "Why can't I sell at this price?" The truth is, all markets are different and all real estate is local, and prices can vary greatly even in adjacent subdivisions. Home prices are dictated largely by demand, land availability, foreclosures and employment. Most local real estate offices will provide market stats and at least a few recent comp sales in hopes of earning your business. Additional trend data can be found online or in local newspapers and business journals. A polite call or email to a local real estate appraiser might net more info or links to local statistics.

Sellers and buyers: Heed changing trends.

Pay attention to trends and react accordingly. Thinking of laying carpet? Agent surveys in the past few years show homes with hardwood floors or faux wood laminate floors are far faster sells. You still want to be in suburbia? Millennials don't. Numerous cities -- such as Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and Minneapolis -- have watched this more environmentally conscious generation flock to "mixed-use" urban districts served by trendy cafes, nightclubs, bike paths, civic events and mass transit. For now, they're not buying condos, which haven't recovered like the single-family market. They're renting -- but watching the condo market ever so carefully.