Buying a home is both a thrilling prospect and a daunting one. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for your first home or your fifth; it’s a major commitment to make, and you’re investing a lot of money no matter how great a bargain the house you buy is. This is one of the many reasons why most homebuyers use professional realtors when seeking out a house for sale. Real estate agents company with many advantages. They tend to have their fingers on the pulse of the housing market, and thus can come with several good options in a short amount of time. They also do much of the basic work for you, checking up on a seller’s credentials and making sure that you aren’t getting lured into a trap. When seeking a house for sale, it can be easy to jump on what looks good at the moment rather than taking the time to really search. A real estate company ensures that you get not only what you want in a home, but what you actually need. Let’s look into how you can get the most out of your search for a house for sale — and how you can make sure that a house is really right for you.
Starting Your House Hunt
It’s easy to get wrapped up in your search for a home. But before you begin idealizing the first house that appeals to you, you need to begin with the basics. The Internet has made house hunting a lot easier for many people, with 92% of people now using the web during their house search. While there are many benefits to the wider range of options provided by the Internet, there are also some strings attached. Typically, buyers who use the Internet during their search see an average of 10 homes over the course of 10 weeks before settling on a house. Buyers who don’t use the Internet see five homes over the course of five weeks. While this may sound like a reason to not use the Internet during your home search, seeing more homes may be a better idea. While you don’t want your search to be endless, you also don’t want to settle for a mediocre home just because it’s there. A compromise would be to use a real estate agent to help narrow down your options. This is especially true for the 32% of house hunters who are first time buyers.
Narrowing Down Your Options
Say you’ve found not one, but several homes that you like. This is great! But it can also be difficult to choose. Which one is best for you? Try discussing this with your real estate agent — they may be able to have some professional insights you haven’t thought of. You should also, however, think about what is most important to you. For many people, for example, a certain number of bedrooms is a dealbreaker. If you have children, consider whether or not you want each child to have their own room or if sharing a room is an option. Consider how many bathrooms are necessary, and whether or not you want a full, large kitchen. You’ll want to take into account utility costs — some homes require more heating than others — and the location. Location can really make or break a home. A beautiful house can be bought for a low amount simply because it’s not in a desirable neighborhood. It simply depends on what you prioritize.
Asking Your Agent
Real estate agents are there to help you find the right house for sale, and a committed agent will be willing to answer however many questions they can. If you feel like you don’t understand the basics of a mortgage, ask your agent. An agent is a great person to discuss negotiating prices with. The housing field is their field — don’t let yourself walk blindly into a deal when you have an agent on your side.
Month: September 2016
No homeowner wants to have to deal with termites. Unfortunately, the pests do damage to more than 600,000 homes around the United States every year. They cause about $30 billion in damage to crops, home and other buildings all over the country every year. When homeowners find termites in their houses, the average price tag they pay to the local pest control company runs around $3,000.
To prevent a termite infestation, the local pest control company recommends the following tips:
- Repair water leaks. When you walk around your home do you see any leaks? You should make it a point to check your foundation, attic and roof for any leaks. These should be fixed as soon as you see them. When you find small leaks, they should be fixed when you see them so they cannot grow into big leaks that are more expensive to repair. Termites love wood that has been damaged by water. If there is water damage in your bathroom, they will find it and make themselves at home. One area you should always keep an eye on is your basement. Nearly 99% of all homeowners who have a basement will experience at least some level of water damage in that part of their home during the time they live there.
- Keep your downspouts and gutters clean and clear. This is not most homeowner’s favorite thing to think about but experts at the local pest control company say this important to keep the termites away. Clogged downspouts and gutters can lead to leaks in your roof and water damage to your house. You want to avoid this to make your home unappealing to termites.
- Make sure your downspouts and gutters are doing their job. The main role of your gutters and downspouts is to keep water away from your foundation. Make sure they are actually doing this. When it rains, check out your downspouts and make sure they are directing the rainwater away from your home. If you have an air conditioner drainage line, make sure it is not dumping water at your foundation. You can prevent soil erosion by using splash blocks.
- Do not plant an bushes, trees or put wood mulch near your foundation. Bushes, shrubs, trees and mulch are all places that termites love to hang out, say people at the local pest control company. These items are moist and can give termites a place to live. You should make sure your foliage is well pruned and kept a decent distance from your foundation. The minimum space you should leave is six inches.
- Keep an eye on your sprinklers. If you have automated sprinklers around your lawn, you need to make sure they are not spraying your foundation or the walls of your home. You need to water your lawn, not your house. Remember that termites love wet wood so limiting the amount of that you have at your home can be a great way to deter them.
- Your siding needs to be above the soil level. If you have vinyl siding or stucco on your home, you need to make sure it does not start until six inches above the soil line. Termites love to get into homes through stucco or vinyl siding.
- Check your foundation every spring. Many homeowners report seeing swarms of termites around parts of their home in the early spring. It is worth it to check your foundation during various times of the year for termites and cracks. If you see a swarm, you should call a pest control contractor right away to help with the problem.
- Look for mud tunnels. When you are walking around your home, keep your eyes open for tubes of mud that are about the size of a pencil. Termites create these to use to get to and from their food source and colony. You may see these inside your home or outside. If you see these, you should call a local pest control service.
It is never fun when you find that your home has become infested with termites or any kinds of insects. Termites can do a lot of damage but you can get rid of theme with help from the local pest control company.
There are many ways to help the world you live in become a better place. It can be as simple as recycling your glass and plastic at the end of every month or promoting a local restaurant that just opened up. It can be as easy as adopting a dog at the shelter or buying a drink from a kid’s lemonade stand. The sky’s the limit for all the ways you can brighten someone’s day and nowhere is that more evident than the benefits that come with American Red Cross donations — from furniture to clothing, a single donation can see you supporting your local community, the country at large and even the environment. If it sounds too good to be true, worry not. Below is a basic list on American Red Cross donations, who they benefit and how they work for everyday people.
How Can I Help People?
Did you know that Americans consume nearly 20 billion garments per year? That’s the equivalent of 68 garments and seven pairs of shoes per person or one piece of purchased clothing per week! According to the EPA, Americans will throw away an average of 10 pounds of clothes per person every year. The United States is a massive country, after all, and everyone is constantly growing out of their wardrobe or seeing their tastes evolve over the years. Studies have shown 70% of people in the United States donating to charity every year, totaling to 3% of overall American income. Can you help make this number higher?
Where Are The Environmental Benefits?
If you’re wanting to become more eco-friendly, you won’t go wrong with American Red Cross donation. A significant portion of discarded clothes and furniture go to landfills, which are notoriously damaging on the environment due to their emitting waste and taking up valuable space. For 24 hours per day and 365 days per year the American Red Cross provides constant relief to families and communities all over the world, in the form of blankets, food, blood donations and shelter. Keeping the environment healthy and happy helps everyone in the long run.
What Other Positives Come From Donating?
Good things just keep on giving. Thanks to American Red Cross donations, this has never been easier. The majority of donations are tax-deductible and can be written on your tax form every year, so be sure to keep those receipts when you bundle up those old sweaters or toss out that couch you’ve been meaning to get rid of. Tax-deductible donations of clothing and household items collected by organizations such as the Purple Heart are sold to charities and thrift stores across the country. The year 2015 saw charity proceeds from the sale of donated goods at thrift stores exceeding a stunning $2 million, adding up to much-needed local and nationwide support.
Why Should I Clear Up My Home?
Psychological studies have shown clutter to be a negative element in many people’s lives, so much so there are entire fields dedicated to the art of maintaining a harmonious and appealing space! Unchallenged clutter can cause concentration issues, irritability, sleeping issues and even symptoms of depression. Likewise, a clean and happy environment boosts your emotional health and can make it easier to function in the day-to-day. Eyeballing that crowded closet or cramped living room? It’s never been a better time to spruce up and donate clothing!
How Do I Get Started?
Donations are necessary year-round and everybody stands to benefit. Got some clothes that no longer fit? Bundle them up and send them to your nearest clothing donation center. No longer wanting that side-table? There’s a family out there more than willing to take it off your hands. You’ll get tax-deductible receipts to go on your next tax return, you’ll keep landfills small and, most of all, you’ll be giving back to your local community. If you find your schedule is too packed for a trip, fear not — the majority of charity organizations offer free clothing donation pickup services, as easy as giving them a call with easy-to-follow directions. American Red Cross donations rely on the kindness and ambition of everyday people like yourself.
If you are deciding on purchasing a used golf cart for your gaming experience, you need to understand which type of golf cart is ideal for you. There are two types of golf carts and include the following:
- Electric carts;
- Gas golf carts;
Used Golf Carts Powered with Gas
If you are purchasing used golf carts, you want to make sure you understand what you’re getting. When you purchase a golf cart powered with gas, it will require regular engine maintenance. This is something that many people forget when purchasing and investing into a gas golf cart. You want to ensure that your golf cart is reasonable for you and your needs. Certain people prefer electric golf carts for this reason.
Great over Rough Terrain
If you have ever ridden in an electric golf cart, you’ll understand that it can be limited on the terrain it rides on. Certain rides are almost intolerable for many people when they are on an electric golf cart. Due to this, many people will choose a gas golf cart to ensure that they are getting the smoothest ride possible.
If you find yourself on golf courses that aren’t the most well-kept or have a lot of mountains and hills, you’ll want to look into used golf carts that are powered with gas.
Disadvantages
If you are operating a gas golf cart, you will expect it to be nosier than an electric golf cart because they don’t have the engine quality. It’s important that you know this because you may, otherwise, be very unpleased when you’re looking for gas golf cart.
In addition, you need to make regular maintenance to the gas golf carts. Many used golf carts will have the unfortunate tendency to need replacements and repairs soon after you purchase it. If you find yourself in need of the perfect gas golf cart that comes from a used department, bring a mechanic with you. Having someone who knows the industry and how the gas golf carts need to operate will help with getting maximum satisfaction from your purchase.
Make a Wise Decision When Purchasing
When you make your purchase, make a wise decision. Use the mechanic to really cut back on your prices on repairs or being vastly disappointed by your used golf cart. If you need used golf carts, go to a reputable dealer that you know you can trust.
It may be difficult, but there are great used golf carts sold by reputable dealers who ensure quality. Check online if you want to have a quality check at different used golf cart companies in your area.
Statistically, the average woman owns up to 30 outfits for various needs in today’s society, a month’s worth of attire. In the 1930s that number was only nine. With so many outfits to choose from, you’re going to need shoes to go along with them, and consequently, a lot of closet space.
Whether you live in a big city like New York or you’re trying to fit more onto a tiny shared dorm room for college, the modern woman will eventually run out of space for all her ever-expanding wardrobe. Essentially, at some point, most Americans have more stuff than they have room in their closet. There are roughly 300,000 items in the average American home, and that’s a great thing, but it can also be overwhelming.
Below are a few closet organizer products you can utilize to help make the best of the space you have without sacrificing an abundance of your time and energy.
-Shoe organizers are your best friend. They can save you a ton of space and make it easier to find that missing shoe.
-Decorative home racks are a convenient way to store miscellaneous closet items to free up space for shoes and miscellaneous wardrobe items.
–Drawer carts are preferable for people who need to store items they do not want out in the open on racks or shelves. They can also be placed on top of dressers or other items to save even more space.
-Under bed organizers are great for rarely used items and articles of clothing.
Any one of these items would be a great tool to get you on your way to a more organized closet space. Ideally, using multiple items would be beneficial. One or two shoe organizers and a drawer cart could free up more room than you would think.
Most people consider DIY closet projects to be a lot of energy and know-how, leaving them thinking they don’t have the time to undertake these projects. Commonly, when you purchase products such as these they have to be assembled, but the home organization business has exploded into an $80 billion a year industry. Today, it’s more than twice the size it was in the early 2000s and rising at a rate of about 10% each year.
This allows for a lot of competition between sellers, with several offering a wide range of well-built, stylish home organization products, many with quick assembly requiring very little tools or none at all.
So the next time you trip over all those shoes spilling out of your closet, just keep these simple DIY closet tips in mind. Remember: you don’t have to be an expert DIY’er to get the best out of your clutter situation.
If you are like most people, you like helping others and giving back to your community. More than 70% of people across the United States make charitable donations every year. A good deal of these are Red Cross clothes donations. Making used clothing donations is a great way to help others. Here are some reasons you should consider giving your used clothing to charity.
- You help other people directly. When disaster strikes, many people are often left with nothing but the clothes they are wearing when they are told they need to evacuate an area. While monetary donations are often needed the most by large non-profits, when you make Red Cross clothes donations, the items you give can go directly to people who have lost everything. If you also have blankets or bedding that can often be used after big natural disaster like a flood, hurricane or tornadoes strike an area.
- You donations allow the non-profit to pay for its operations. Many non-profit organizations run consignment shops to help fund their operations. Many times, Red Cross clothes donations are used this way. Charities provide a wide array of services that help people in the community who need it. The funds raised by selling the clothes that have been donated help them provide those services and employ people to do the work that needs to be done. Every year, non-profits put more than $660 million back into the American economy. Consignment shops brought in more than $2.5 million in 2015. This money was used to fund local and national programs.
- You get a more organized house. Most people around the United States have closets and storage spaces that are full of stuff they no longer use. If your children have outgrown their clothes and you have no one to hand them down to, you should consider whether you want to make a clothing donation. Organizing experts recommend people go through their clothing every year and check for items that they no longer wear or need. If you have had an outfit that has gone unworn for two seasons or more, it is time to get rid of it.
- You can lower your tax bill. When you donate clothes the Red Cross, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats the donation the same way they treat a monetary donation. If your Red Cross clothes donation is worth more than $250, you will need to include a receipt. A used man’s overcoat is generally given a value of $60 or more, to give you an idea of what you can mark the value of the items you donate. It is aways a good idea to keep good records of all of your donations throughout the year so you have all of your paperwork ready when you go to compile and file your taxes.
- You inspire others. We are all influenced by the people around us. Sociologists and others note that when people see others acting in a certain way, they are more likely to act in the same way. Your example will inspire other people to donate as well. In that way, your good deeds get magnified over and over. If you have children, this is a great way to teach them the value of helping others.
- You reduce your carbon footprint. It has been estimated that the typical American throws away about ten pounds of clothing items every year. Those items end up in a landfill where they do nothing to help anyone and they add to the worldwide problem of global warming. The space they take up is also very valuable. You can help others and keep material out of landfills by donating your clothes to charity.
- It is easy! If you cannot get to the charity, they may be able to come to you. Many charities will pick up donations.
When you are donating clothing, you should make sure you clean and wash all of the items before you make your donation. Also, if you sort your items, you will make it a lot easier for the charity’s staff to go through and make the most of your kindness and generosity.
If you plan on moving to your new home, the best way to move your stuff out of state is by hiring a moving company. Moving companies have pods that enable you to pack all your items. The best part is that you get to keep the pods until you are done putting everything together before calling your moving company. The cost of pods cross country move varies from region to region depending on factors such as distance, terrain and time you spend using the pod. If you have difficulty finding movers, you can find movers online.
You can always find reviews for the most cost effective moving company on the website from multiple customers. Pods offer a secure and efficient way to store your items before and after moving. The strong metal casing of the containers also prevents possible damage from rain or harsh climatic changes. Pods are secure in that you are the only one with the key to the vessel, making it difficult for anyone to access your belongings. You can also have your items stay in the pods as you wait to move them into your new house. You will also have the time to unpack as you arrange your house.
The average American relocates to a new home about 12 times in their lives. When you try to figure out the amount one spends on each relocation, you may realize that some people are forced to dig into their life savings to meet the costs. Fortunately, it is possible to cut any unnecessary expenses by choosing the right residential moving company to get the job done. There are varied tips that homeowners can take into account to ensure a seamless and feasible moving.
Plan Ahead
Many homeowners can attest that moving is quite overwhelming and stressful. You just can’t wake up one day and decide to move. If possible, get old boxes at work or borrow some from your friends. Label each box with the room it will go to so the moving crew can have an easy time unloading the boxes. Get all the necessary materials and change your address in time. Research on cable, utility and internet services for you new home. This helps to reduce the moving time hence cutting costs for settling in your new home.
Snag a Tax Break
For those who are moving because of a job change, you can enjoy deductions for some expenses such as storage rental, transportation, travel and lodging costs. You will need to verify that you incurred the expenses while moving from your old home to the new one. You can talk to a tax preparer to find out if you qualify for the deductions. The IRS also provides guidelines and rules for such tax breaks.
Insurance Helps
Chances for breaking an item during the moving process are usually high. This is one single reason you need a professional residential moving company because you can insure your belongings. Before getting an insurance, check your renters or homeowners insurance to find out if you are already covered. By covering your items, you won’t be responsible for replacing broken items and this saves you money in the long run.
DIY Home Repairs
After a home inspection of the new home, you can list down the tasks that are considered DIY. Use Freecycle to find people in your new neighborhood that are giving away extra countertops, paint or cabinets for free. This is only necessary if the project is not big. Lowe’s and Home Depot offer coupons for people who are relocating and this allows you get the repair tools you need. For big projects, get local contractors or handymen instead of getting one you know from your original home.
Moving to a new home can be quite exciting regardless of the expenses and stress. By working with a reliable residential moving company, you can identify several ways to cut down the costs. DIY moving can be time-consuming and stressful. Movers in San Diego CA can get the job done for you including packing, loading, unloading and arranging your new home. Typically, you need to pay attention to the financial aspects of moving to enjoy a feasible transition and moving process.
Many of lives transitions are very difficult. A recent career in America is aimed at helping one of these transitions. Life coaches that help families make choices about selecting an assisted living community or other kind of elder housing environment aims to help families make one of the most difficult life transitions: moving a loved one from their private home into a care facility.
Sometimes the guidance of someone outside of the family can help everyone involved look at things objectively and with a clear head. A black and white list of the advantages and disadvantages of different options can help families feel more confident about their decision. Once the final decision has been made these elder care life coaches can also provide families with many tips that will help make the actual move and the first few days less stressful and and more comforting.
Senior Living Communities with a Variety of Care Options Allow Residents to Progress Through the Phases that Work Best for Them
An assisted living community is one of the first places that some people move to when they are no longer able to live on their own. With independent apartments that allow residents to enjoy their own private space where they can cook for themselves if they wish, an assisted living community can also provide meals, cleaning services, and social activities.
Because many women live longer than men, it should come as no surprise that the population in many residential care centers for the elderly are comprised of 74% females and only 26% males. Because of this disproportion, many seniors enjoy the opportunity to live in a group setting where they are able to enjoy the company of others their age.
Even though some seniors are in fairly good health, the job of maintaining a home and a yard are often simply too much. For these residents, moving into an assisted living community can be a perfect solution. Still getting the independence that they want, these healthy and active residents can find friends and activities right outside their doors. The fact that many facilities offer a variety of stages of care means that residents can move when they need additional assistance. Some facilities have independent care locations all the way through alzheimer and memory care locations. When a family knows that their aging loved one will be able to transition from one location to another it can make the initial move out of a home much easier.
Consider some of the facts about aging in today’s society and decide if it os time for your family to start researching the future care needs of parents or other aging relative:
- 63 is he average age for retirement in America.
- 48% of retirees indicate being happier in retirement than they expected.
- 81% of retirees cite good health as the most important ingredient for a happy retirement.
- The happiest retirees regularly participate in three to four activities.
- The least happy retirees only participate in one or two activities
- 89.3% of independent living residents rate their overall satisfaction as either good or excellent.
Families Should Take Advantage of All Available Resources When Making Retirement Home Decisions
Many transitions in life are difficult. Families have to adjust when there youngest children go off to preschool and elementary school, and they have to adjust again when those same children grow and move to college. Newly married couples adjust to living together and sometimes moving far away from their family support systems. At the other end of the spectrum, families also adjust when a loved one has to move out of their own home and into a retirement or care center.
Given that as many as 75% of assisted living residents have had at least two of the 10 most common chronic conditions, families want to find a place the provides qualified medical care and oversight, as well as an engaging social environment. Caring for high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias are often the most prevalent needs that many senior care residents need, so understanding the strengths of a possible facility can make family members and resident feel good about these necessary late in life transitions.
Are metal roofs cheaper than tile? While this will depend on your situation, it might make metal roofing a more appealing option as you consider your upcoming roof replacement. Many people consider are metal roofs good for houses? They can be. Metal roofing lasts a long time and is often less expensive than other options like tile or asphalt. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for you. So make sure you do your research before either investing in a metal roof or giving up the opportunity to get one.
Consider your climate. Are metal roofs hail resistant? This could be a dealbreaker for you if you need to keep repairing it. Think about the condition of your home as well. Are metal roofs heavier than shingles? You’re asking your home’s support beams to hold everything up, so you want to make sure that they can. While money is an important consideration before a roof replacement, it is not the only important thing to think about. All of these things can also have a major impact on your decision.
A commercial roof is an important thing for people to take into consideration. Whether you’re repairing damage in a roof or replacing it entirely, a commercial roof should not be approached like a residential roof. It isn’t just about appearance — it needs to have a certain amount of durability. A commercial roof has to not only withstand the elements; it needs to be protective as well. Oftentimes, commercial roofs are one of the few things that stand between valuable goods and inventory and the elements. Clearly, these roofs can’t be made of the same materials as the typical roofs. This is why, oftentimes, commercial roofs are made up of metal. Metal roofing provide advantages that can’t be found in roofs made of wood or your average slate shingles. However, even metal roofs have different options for people to choose from. It’s important that you speak with metal roofing contractors before choosing the option that’s best for you. But below, we’ll give an explanation of which types of metal roofing are better than others, and why one in particular might be best suited for your needs. One thing’s for certain — these roofs won’t crumble under pressure as easily as others.
The Durability Of Metal Roofing
As we mentioned above, there are a few different types of metal roofing on the market. One is the classic steel roofing. It can be coated with aluminum-zinc alloy, which can stretch the roof’s lifespan to 100 years. The other main type of roofing is aluminum roofing. Aluminum roofing is preferred to steel roofing by many people, and it in turn can come with different color options and more. However, both steel and aluminum roofing are strong and known for their durability. Most roofs collapse after a certain amount of time even without extreme damage. By choosing a metal roof, you’re picking an option that is sturdier and automatically more likely to last than others. With proper maintenance, a metal roof of any kind can be expected to last at least 50 years. The main competitor of a metal roof is usually considered to be an asphalt shingle roof. To put things in perspective, a metal roof will usually last between five and seven times longer than an asphalt shingle roof. Durability, however, isn’t the only reason why people choose metal roofing over shingles.
Metal Roofing And Color Options
Color does figure into you choice of roofing. On a surface level, color changes the way your building is perceived, especially from afar. The color of a roof can also affect how it reflects or absorbs light. Many people appreciate that, whether they’re choosing steel or aluminum roofing, they have a wide variety of color options to choose from. Most modern metal roofs come with a color selection of at least 100 colors, including standard, premium, and customized colors. By comparison an asphalt shingle roof will come with about 15 to 20 color options. Of course, color is not the only thing that figures into the appearance of a roof. They also come in two different general styles. One is the vertical panel style, while the other is made up interlocking shingles. Perhaps even better, however, is the amount of money you can save through metal roofing.
Saving Money Through Metal Roofing
Replacing or repairing a roof is never fun. With that being said, you can save money by choosing a metal roof. Not only are they often automatically less expensive than certain options — they also save you money in the long term in other ways. The more expensive types of metal roofs are zinc, copper, and stainless steel. Even these types of roofing are usually 30% less than the cheapest slate or tile roofs. They also tend to save people money by saving them energy. In fact, they can take as much as 25% off your energy bill. This can save you much more than an originally lower sticker price would!
Things are getting serious.
After having your house for sale with a second realtor for two months you have only had a handful of showings. Although you had the money in the market you could take out to purchase the new home, you really intended for that money to be out of the market for a very short period of time. The decision to move into a space that would provide low maintenance living has backfired, as you now find yourself mowing two different lawns. Soon, the problems will multiply when the temperatures start to drop and the leaves begin to fall. One of the reasons that you bought the new house was that it was in an ideal location in an ideal neighborhood and it did not, in fact, have any large trees. You planned on a fall of little to no raking. Those plans, however, appear to be evaporating with each passing day that your house for sale sign remains.
As you and your wife leave on a three week vacation to visit relatives our west you have asked the realtor to drop the price on the house again. If, and you hope this is not the case, it does not sell in the three weeks when you are gone, you are going to have to make some drastic changes to the unique floor plan of the unsold home and drop the price again. You are only have joking when you tell your wife that you may actually have to move back into the first home because you know that the new home that you just finished would sell in a heartbeat!
Are You Getting Ready to Put a House for Sale Sign in Your Front Yard?
Listing a house can be stressful. While you fully understand the value of the home you are selling, the possible buyers may not. Instead of noticing that you have a new high grade composite roof on your home, the possible buyers keep saying that they do not like the color of your kitchen counter tops. You still have Corian and they want granite. How exactly do you find a buyer who realizes that the grade of the siding, windows, and roof that you have invested in are worth far more than what it would cost them to switch out the countertops themselves?
The fact of the matter is that while there may be a buyer for every home, it often takes a long time to find the buyer for some homes. Unfortunately, if you are a home owner who currently has two homes, one you are living in and one you are trying to sell, the waiting time for finding a buyer can be exhausting, stressful, and expensive. While your money is out of the stock market waiting for the sale of your empty first home you are missing out on substantial investment opportunities. Likewise, every week your house sits on the market is another week counting against you as a signal that something surely must be wrong with that house that has been listed forever.
- Make sure your internet photos and details are current. Among buyers who used the internet during their home search, 87% indicated that they found photos and 84% indicated that they found detailed information about properties for sale very useful. overall, online websites were seen as a very useful information source 82% of the time.
- Work with the best agent. The success of a house for sale often depends on the agent. In fact, 78% of recent buyers indicated their real estate agent was a useful source of information. The best agents are also up front with sellers. They should not, for example, continue to let you think you will eventually find a buyer for your uniquely designed house. If you have a dated kitchen, for example, you may have to agree to provide an allowance for a change or make the upgrades.
- Ask te right price. Nearly 32% of people looking at homes for sale are actually first time buyers. If you are pricing an older home too high, many first time buyers would rather pass and build their own home.