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Displaying blog entries 11-15 of 15

Home Inspections

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

by Nancy Heim-berg

One thing that is extremely important when buying a home is an inspection. Home inspections help buyers uncover potential problems so they know up front what condition a home is in. Having a formal inspection helps with the negotiation process, as it identifies structural defects that need addressing.

Most buyers are only in a home for around 15 minutes while viewing it. That simply isn't enough time to fully assess the condition of it. In addition, many buyers do not know how to check certain components such as the electrical and HVAC systems. As a result, they are forced to rely on the seller for information that may or may not be accurate.

Housing inspectors typically work from a checklist in order to ensure they don't miss anything. Even so, buyers should know that there is no standard checklist within the industry. As such, they should ask what is included in home inspections to ensure their completeness. Some of the things a home inspection should include are

Roofs
Attics
Heating and cooling systems
Plumbing
Electrical
Floors
Windows

Buyers should know that nearly every home will have some sort of issue listed in an inspection report. This does not necessarily mean the house is not a good value; instead, they should consider the overall condition and asking price in order to make a determination.

Some people ask friends or relatives to perform a home inspection in an effort to save money; however, this type of inspection may prove unreliable. Instead, individuals should choose an inspector who is licensed by the National Association of Home Inspectors to ensure they are thorough and adhere to a code of ethics.

Sellers could benefit tremendously from having home inspections performed before showing their property. In doing so, they will already know whether there are problems present that need taken care of before listing. They will also appear transparent and trustworthy to potential buyers, which could just make them comfortable enough to make an offer regardless of any problems.

Top Kitchen Remodel Projects

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

by Nancy Heim-berg

Kitchen remodeling is always high on the list of projects that provide an excellent return on investment. The top kitchen remodel projects will not only make this room look extraordinary, but will increase the functionality of it as well.

A professional-grade range is listed as one of the top features people desire in a kitchen, even among those that do not cook often. The type of range most people prefer is one that contains features such as a griddle or grill space along with double ovens. While people like the functionality of a chef's stove, they also prefer appliances that are eco-friendly. As such, one that contains special features and also uses less energy could score double points.

Certain other appliances also top the list of must-have features for a kitchen remodel. More people than ever are adding convention ovens and wine coolers than ever before. Stainless steel continues to be a popular choice for all appliances, regardless of their size or function.

Granite is still a popular choice for countertops; however, quartz and marble are also increasing in popularity. Regardless of the material used for a countertop, consumers cannot go wrong with a tile backsplash. The reason for its popularity is that it allows for a splash of color without detracting from the overall look of the kitchen.

The top kitchen remodel projects also involve new flooring. Recent surveys by Houzz show that most people prefer hardwood to other flooring options. Tile in its various forms is also an excellent option, being the second most popular choice behind hardwood. Linoleum and concrete are two of the least-favorite options, which means that homeowners who choose these materials could have difficulty selling their property as a result.

White and gray are two popular color choices when it comes to decorating kitchens. White cabinets have always been in style, and continue to attract people from all walks of life. For a somewhat different look, homeowners could add gray panels or accents to provide visual interest while still maintain a timeless and classic look.

The top kitchen remodel projects will increase a kitchen's appearance as well as its functionality. Even small changes can go a long way toward improving the look of what is a very vital room in any home.

home sellers home ownership kitchen remodeling

Tips for Winter Home Selling

Monday, February 24, 2014

by Nancy Heim-berg

Maintaining curb appeal is important all the time, but is especially challenging during the winter months. These tips for winter home selling provide good information on how to showcase a home when the outside weather is less than cooperative.

Clear away Snow and Ice

Sellers should make sure their driveways, sidewalks, and steps are clear of ice and snow before potential buyers visit. People might not want to view a home if they have to track through ice or snow to get inside, which could mean a missed sales opportunity.

Add Color Wherever Possible

One of the best tips for winter home selling involves adding color wherever possible. A bright mailbox or door wreath can go a long way toward brightening up a home and making it appear cheerful. Even simple touches such as a new welcome mat will help provide curb appeal, while also allowing a home to seem warm and inviting.

Light Things Up

The odds of someone visiting when it's dark increases during the winter months. As such, sidewalks, decks and porches should all be well illuminated during a showing. Likewise, the entrance should also contain adequate lighting so that people can see easily. Adding some large reflective house numbers will ensure potential buyers are able to identify the home they are looking for.

Add Greenery

Planting some evergreen shrubs near the foundation of a home will help add some visual contrast against the stark winter landscape. Greenery can also be added in the way of décor, as a few small Christmas trees located throughout the house will also add charm. These trees can stay up even after Christmas is over if the decorations on them are switched up to reflect other holidays such as President's Day or Valentine's Day.

Following these tips for winter home selling will require some additional effort; however, they are nonetheless important. Taking the time to provide winter curb appeal can help homeowners make a sale during what is an otherwise slow time for real estate purchases.

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Pricing Your Home to Sell

Monday, August 19, 2013

by Nancy Heim-berg

Selling a house is one of the biggest decisions that homeowners will ever make. Numerous factors are involved in the successful sale of a home. Choices such as selecting an agent, preparing the home, timing, and price all play a major role in a positive experience for homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals.

The one decision most homeowners wrestle with is deciding on a sales price. Pricing your home to sell involves careful planning, looking at the market, and accessing the condition of your home. Many things are taken into consideration before deciding on a price.

Location

Being aware of your home’s location will provide additional insight into the pricing of your property. Things like power plants, busy roads, and a less than desirable view may all make your sale price lower, while benefits such as neighborhood parks, easy access to shopping, and beautiful views drive prices up.

Staging

Planting flowers, painting, and purchasing new throw pillows may seem insignificant, but these small changes can actually add up to thousands of extra dollars in a home's sale. Presenting a house in the best possible light is important. Creating an environment that is warm and inviting, and that prospective buyers can see themselves in, is the key to selling a house.

Comparative Market Analysis

Given all of these factors, one of the tools that a real estate agent will use to help determine a home's value is a comparative market analysis. This CMA can vary from a short document to one laden with details, but they all have basic things in common. All of them will look at the active listings, pending listings, and sold listings. Additionally, they may look at items such as properties withdrawn from the market and expired listings. A CMA is going to compare your home to other homes with the same square footage and amenities. This information will assist your real estate agent in pricing your home to sell.

When it comes time to sell your home, allow the real estate professionals at Prudential Ambassador Real Estate assist you through every step of the process. With years of superior service and satisfied customers, we are prepared to find the right buyers for your house and to help you find the home of your dreams.

real estate tips advice home sellers sellers comparative market analysis CMA

Home Staging

Monday, July 15, 2013

by Nancy Heim-berg

In any kind of market, whether slow or hopping, it is vitally important to show your house at its best. Home staging won't necessarily get a seller a better price, but it just might generate a faster sale. Staging the property means creating a great first impression and helping the buyer to envision it as "home". Here is how you can make some big changes, with little or no investment, in order to make your house stand out from the rest:

Curb appeal is important!

Take a look at the outside of the house from a distance. Look carefully for unsightly issues - from weeds to spider webs. Make sure all dirt and debris are swept or washed away. Put bicycles, tools and toys in the garage and out of sight.
Manicure the lawn. Make sure all the edges are clipped cleanly. Trim all hedges.
Use plants to brighten the environment. Flats of bedding flowers are an inexpensive way to add color to a garden. Even in winter, evergreens in urns can create a welcoming appeal at the front door.
If painting the exterior is out of the question, a good power wash will make a dramatic change to the outside walls. Don't neglect doors and windows.
Buy a new welcome mat, and polish doorknobs and hardware.

Move to the inside

Eliminate personal items. Looking at someone else's family photos on the wall won’t help make the buyer feel welcome. Get a jump on packing by putting all your personal effects away.
Clear the kitchen. Getting rid of all the clutter will make the kitchen appear larger and brighter. Countertops should be clear and sparkling.
Clear the bathroom. Use a basket, and place all necessary personal items that normally reside in the open, under the sink. Make sure towels are clean and fresh.
Minimize furniture to make rooms feel less crowded. Move unnecessary items to storage to create an airy feeling in each room.
Patch and paint the walls. Nail holes from all the photos that used to reside there are not attractive, and a fresh coat of neutral paint will make the entire house look newer.
Clean everything until the house sparkles. Make sure there are no unpleasant odors. Air fresheners for air filters will waft pleasant smells throughout the house with no visible source.

Home staging is very much like dressing well for a job interview. Dressing well won't guarantee you land the job, but dressing poorly will definitely dampen your chances.

real estate tips home selling home staging home selling tips advice home sellers home selling preparation

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Displaying blog entries 11-15 of 15

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Home Inspections

Top Kitchen Remodel Projects