SPECIAL SECTION : REAL ESTATE
“ Home sellers can create an inviting atmosphere beginning with the first things buyers see , the front of the property . Keep the lawn mowed and tidy . Keep bushes and trees trimmed . Sweep the walkway and entryway . Address any small repairs to the outside of the home . You can also plant flowers or small plants , add solar lights or add a fresh coat of paint to the front door to greatly enhance the exterior of the home .
Home buyers need to be prepared and patient . Get pre-approved and begin working with an agent who knows the area well , listens to your needs and genuinely cares about you and the process you are embarking upon . When the right home does come along , you ’ ll be a step ahead of the crowd .”
— Michele Jones , Howard Hanna Realtor
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“ For sellers , I recommend having a realtor walk through the home before you list it to give pointers on preparing the home to sell and provide recent sales to get realistic market expectations . Decluttering and neutralizing walls / flooring make a huge difference with today ’ s buyers .
For buyers , I suggest meeting with a loan professional to get an idea of monthly payment at different price points . Discuss with your realtor if you prefer a “ move-in ready ” home or want a fixer upper to make your own . Of course everyone ’ s definition of “ move-in ready ” is different so set expectations early in the process to simplify your home search .”
— Fred Amendola , Howard Hanna Realtor relocation or financial distress , will be the biggest determinant of whether you will see a solid profit from your investment .”
8 . SELLING : Will renovating always increase my resale value ?
Make conscious decisions when renovating your home . While newer will entice potential buyers , be cognizant of what rooms you update and how you do it . An updated kitchen will increase the value of your home , but be sure to appeal to a wide range of tastes . A good place to start is with the appliances . Realtor . com states that homes with stainless steel appliances sell 15 percent faster than those without . Updated bathrooms are easier to satisfy a wider range of buyers ’ desires for luxury , but be sure to keep the colors neutral .
9 . SELLING : Don ’ t spend earnest money !
Many sellers make the mistake of depositing and spending earnest money before closing day . If the transaction doesn ’ t go through or the buyer pulls out due to repair issues , it is up to the seller to return the cash . It is recommended to have a real estate agent or broker hold the deposit . Most buyers ’ earnest money will be held in an escrow account until the closing day , allowing the money to remain untouched by either party .
10 . SELLING : Consider names & numbers
Just when you think you ’ ve checked all the boxes for an easy sell of your house , take a second look at your address . According to Zillow , street names and house numbers matter ! If you happen to live at 666 Fanny Hands Lane , you may be out of luck ( however that particular street is in the United Kingdom , so you should be safe ). Innuendo-laden street names tend to not sell as quickly as something like Thunder Road , for example . American numerology says that 666 is bad luck and could decrease the value of your home by 2 to 3 percent . Also , steer clear of the number 4 , considered unlucky in Chinese culture . Stick to the number 8 , or include the lucky digits 316 in your asking price ! n
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