Archive for the 'Selling my Home' category

Since we all know that your home is the biggest investment you will probably make in your lifetime, maximizing its value is very important. One very simple way, and also most overlooked, is choosing the right paint colors! Seems minimal right? Not necessarily.  Most people get very overwhelmed with what color and shade is the right one for their home. Here are some tips to steer you in   the right direction.

 ** Since color is an effective way of giving your home a quick fix makeover and won’t make a huge dent in your wallet, doing a little research goes a long way.

** When deciding the right wall color, make sure it complements your furnishings and allows them to be the focal point of the room.

** Stick to one color family. Using a lighter and darker shade of the same color allows you to highlight the features you love most about your home. Different colors may clash and distract from the architectural details. 

** Are you distressed because you have a small space and don’t know what to do with it? No worries! Focus on using shades of white and cream.  These shades add size and openness to even the smallest of spaces.

** Is your style bold and daring?  Using a valiant color on one wall of the room may give it a chic look.  But be careful, you want to make sure it coordinates with your furnishings as well.

** If you are dealing with a rental property, you are going to want to steer away from my last tip! Make sure you use neutral shades.  It is also wise to stick with one color.  This will blend well with most lifestyles, work well with different furniture and color schemes and also gives the apartment a spacious look.

 Investing in the upkeep of painting your home is not only rewarding, it will definitely increase the value and in the end you will get a better price if you are thinking of selling.

When trying to sell your home don't forget about how important even the smallest of details can be.  A great article from the New York Times discusses how Jamella Swift, an NYC broker, learns that ignoring details can really decrease the value of the home.

Clutter: Subtract 5-15%

Fresh towels and throw pillows: Add $25,000

Dirty rugs: Subtract $5,000

Regrouting tile: Add $100,000 (don't forget we're talking about a $3 million listing in NYC)

New Fixtures and appliances Add $250 in rent

New Lights: Add $32,500

Replacing cabinets: Add $107,000

An expensive shoe closet: Worth every penny!

Check out the full article here

Want to put your home on the market? Are you hesitating because of the current housing market? Don't be afraid! We may be in a slump but, there is still hope! Here are a few tips on how to sell your home fast and efficiently!

Price

Setting a price is very important to the sale of your home.  Since we're in a down market, you need to be aware of the comparable houses on the market in your area.  It is a strategy that is tricky but easily attainable! You want to try and find that perfect balance between attracting solid offers and ultimately receiving top dollar. You should be flexible on price in our market and try not to get stuck on a certain number in your head.

If you can't compete with your competitors on price, especially the foreclosure properties, you can nail the curb appeal! Make your house look presentable and welcoming.  Putting the money, time, and effort into repainting, power washing, gardening, and if your driveway needs improvements, this is the time to fix them! The first step in getting a buyer interested is getting them through the front door!

Clear out all Clutter

When you’re selling a home you want the potential buyers to picture themselves living in the home, not living in your life!  Put away all the old magazines that have been piling up for ages, the loose papers on the kitchen table, and the million remote controls around the living room! You also want to make sure to take down all your personal photos of your family and replace them with nice pieces of art.  

Find the Right Real Estate Agent

There are many factors that go into finding the right agent. First you want to make sure the person has good values, education and a lot of experience! It is important to that you trust your agent and share the same values. You also want to make sure you get an agent that is familiar with your neighborhood. It's easy to look up comps, but the agent is the one who can tell you about the schools, demographics, and even crime rates! Once you have found the agent who understands your location and housing needs, you will feel a lot more comfortable with the search in general. Remember, agents are there to help you through the process and make sure things go as planned! 

What was your experience?? Do you have your own tips for things that can make a home sell faster?  What were some things you did when selling your house that made it more attractive to buyers?  Let us know about it in the comments!