IN Hampton Summer 2018 | Page 27

Special Section Real Estate home’s curb appeal. Do dead bushes need to be removed? Old holiday decorations need to be put away? Try to view your house as if you were seeing it for the first time. Maybe an exterior power wash or fresh coat of paint on your front door would make buyers want to come inside. 5. Make sure the price is right. You won’t need to call on Drew Carey, but you should work with your real estate agent to figure out comparable home prices in your area, pricing trends and inventory available, and price your home accordingly. A fair market price will attract buyers interested in making your home their dream home. 2. Make your interior inviting. Although you may adore bold or bright colors adorning your walls, your buyers may not. Choose freshly painted, neutral colors and remove clutter from the walls. While you are decluttering, start packing away items that aren’t used every day such as trinkets, photos and personalized art. This will allow buyers to imagine their own touches added to the room. 3. Create more space, or at least the illusion of it. Preparing to buy in 2018? Whether it’s saving for your first home, searching for your dream home, or downsizing to your forever home, buying a house is an exciting and exhausting experience. Putting in the extra effort could be the difference you need to nail the home you want. 1. Give yourself some credit. Short on space? No problem! Create the illusion of space by storing away (off-site, if possible) unnecessary items, giving cabinets, closets and storage spaces a spacious look. Or, make moving easier by donating or selling these items! 4. Update only to increase value. Work with your real estate agent on recommendations for simple changes that can add value to or create appeal for your home. This can be as simple as adding a backsplash in the kitchen, or refreshing landscaping to add curb appeal. A small upgrade may be just what you need to close a sale. Now is not the time to open a new credit card, increase your credit limit or make a big purchase. The first thing lenders check is your credit score when determining how much you are approved for on a home loan. Work on keeping your credit card balances low, and paying down balances. Limiting your spending may seem hard, but is worth the payoff when you are approved for your new home. Continued on next page > Exceeding Expectations Let Us Help You Find Your Home in Our Neighborhood 2567 Royalview Dr, Hampton 108 Golfview Dr, Gibsonia 4190 Maple Lane, Hampton $365,000 • MLS: 1332425 $675,000 • MLS: 1337241 $229,000 • MLS: 1326655 Mary Pat Petrarca 412-596-9539 Donna Natale 724-816-4294 Lorraine Kelly 412-443-3482 102 Elm St, Shaler 5454 Hardt Rd, Gibsonia 372 Saddlebrook Rd, West Deer $84,900 • MLS: 1327918 $260,000 • MLS: 1333007 $339,000 • MLS: 1328049 Lindsay Stromoski 412-370-5738 Mary Pat Petrarca 412-596-9539 Donna Natale 724-816-4294 Hampton Office • 412-487-8008 • www.ThePreferredRealty.com ©2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not a solicitation. hampton ❘ SUMMER 2018 25