While home staging is primarily designed to highlight a home's best features, it can also hide potential problems. A quality REALTOR® will not allow clients to hide significant issues that a home inspector will ultimately find. Here are some common home staging tricks that buyers should know. Curtains Stagers can use curtains or curtain rods to hide small, cracked, or damaged windows. They...
If you've been dreaming of remodeling your kitchen or making over your backyard for years, it may be time to finally do it! Just be sure that the changes you make will increase the value of your home once you go to sell. Here is a list of home improvements that pay off. Fresh Paint The expense of painting interior walls is less than any other home upgrade. If you hire a professional to...
In a competitive housing market, buyers are pulling out all the stops. While you may have saved enough money to purchase a house with cash, there are several things to consider. Here are the pros & cons of a cash offer. PROS Interest Rates Paying cash will save money on the overall cost of a new home. The amount paid in interest over a 30-year mortgage will most...
While it’s the main space that welcomes guests into your home, entryways are often forgotten or neglected. Creating a space that offers functionality and looks welcoming and well maintained is doable. Here are some entryway decor ideas that will make a great first impression. Lighting Lighting plays a significant role in making a great first impression. Your entryway must be well lit,...
Folks have been selling their homes quickly, easily, and for the highest price over the last two years. With the market beginning to settle down, sellers who waited are frustrated and frightened. There is no need to panic; we just need to go back to basics. Several factors impact a home's sale price in a typical market, one of which is staging. According to Forbes.com, staged homes sell 87% faster...
According to leading analysts in the industry, the housing market is showing signs of cooling. While housing prices are still higher than two years ago, demand is beginning to wane, and sellers are beginning to reduce their prices, which could be signs of relief for weary buyers. Here are the latest market predictions from the pros: Price Appreciation and Mortgage Rates “Homes are still...
There are quite a few costly myths surrounding home buying, some of which can easily confuse first-time buyers. Don't be fooled by these common misconceptions before you begin house hunting. To help you navigate this complex process, I've decided to debunk some common home buying myths so you can find a home the right way. You Need A 20% Down Payment Large down payments are no longer the only...
Homeownership can get expensive, especially as first-time buyers navigate the summer months. Not only are homeowners responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their property, but also bills, insurance fees, property taxes, and even HOA fees, in some cases. And as the summer heat drives up your bills and your home requires more maintenance, learn how you can reduce some of these homeowner costs with...
The newest figures from Redfin.com show that the typical home buyer could save more money per month with an adjustable-rate mortgage over a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. While the interest rates may be lower for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), they are guaranteed to change! The current interest hikes for fixed-rate mortgages have put several would-be buyers out of the game due to unaffordable monthly...
Getting multiple offers on your home can be exciting, and there's a good chance you'll get more than one offer if you list your house in today’s market. There are more factors to consider with multiple offers than the money being offered. It is essential to pay attention to all parts of each offer. Things to be aware of include contingencies, the ability to pay close, and how much money the buyer puts...