People always want to know, “what kind of market is it? A buyer’s market? Or a seller’s market?”
Right now in almost all of Philadelphia the answer is we are in a strong seller’s market, which is great news if you’re a home seller looking to maximize your profits, avoid making repairs, and even minimize your closing costs. No matter where you list your house, it’s going under contract quickly AND for over asking price.
But believe it or not, now it’s more important than ever to list your house with a proven professional, here’s why:
If you are like many of today’s homeowners, you may be wondering whether it’s time to move up or stay and remodel your current home.
This is a big decision, as any move is disruptive to your day to day life, and when you own a home the process becomes a bit more complicated.
If you’re dreaming of a new home then you may be wondering…
“Do I buy first or sell first?”
“If I buy first how can I fund that purchase without the proceeds from my current home?”
“What if I sell first and have to move twice, or end up homeless because I can’t find a replacement home I like?”
“Should I wait until the market softens to make my move?”
So many questions, and often the lack of answers to these important questions may cause homeowners to miss that opportunity to take the next step into their dream home and to grow their net worth by purchasing a larger, higher quality home or a home in a superior location.
If you feel this is an opportunity you might like to explore, here are the steps that real estate experts suggest you take.
• Step 1: Develop your dream home wish list.
• Step 2: Do some research online to determine prices and area amenities.
• Step 3: If necessary, consult with a contractor to determine the expense.
• Step 4: Contact a local real estate agent that can give you an accurate estimate of value on your current home.
• Step 5: Meet with a lender to discuss financing.
• Step 6: Create a potential timeline with your agent.
• Step 7: Have your agent guide you on how to best prepare your home for sale.
• Bonus Tip: Begin your research well in advance of your potential move!
As your Real Estate Expert, I'm happy to offer you a confidential and complimentary Move Up Consultation. There is no cost or obligation, just helpful information.
Are you considering putting your house up for sale, but not sure where to start? Here are some tried and true staging tricks that will help you get the most for your home!
Think about staging as a way for prospective buyers to visualize themselves in your home. Imagine you’re viewing your home for the first time as you choose what to display. A few well-placed pieces of furniture allow buyers to gain an understanding of the space and the way their furniture would fit in it.
One of the most important steps of staging is to remove as much clutter as you can. Clear off kitchen counters, stash all those appliances you don’t use and put miscellaneous small clutter in a few attractive baskets or boxes. Family photos and collectibles should be stored out of sight. If storage space is minimal in your home, consider renting a storage locker for a month or two while your home is listed.
Make your home look like a model by using neutral colors. Furniture is important to give your living space dimension, but less is more. Try taking everything out of each room, and slowly bringing a few pieces back to find the perfect balance. Keep in mind, large, dark furniture can make a small room feel even smaller. If you’re working with a small space, scale the items you use in staging accordingly.
Organize your closets – put similar colors together, pants together, skirts together, shirts together etc. Why? Because it will make the closets look bigger. (Really.) An organized closet appears bigger, and you want your closets to look as spacious as possible.
The best tip of all? Consult your real estate professional for his or her staging advice. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t and can offer cost effective solutions to help sell your house quickly and for the price you want!
1. Inspect the exterior of your home
Check the roof for damage, examine the chimney, and look for any signs of movement or cracks in surrounding concrete. Make sure to repair any damage professionally to ensure all issues are fully taken care of.
2. Do a safety check
While you should be checking your alarms monthly, now is the time to remind yourself to actually do it! Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as making sure your fire extinguisher is fully functioning.
3. Get your garden ready
Longer days mean we have more time to spend outside and enjoy the daylight! Get your garden ready for the upcoming BBQs and cookouts by pulling out weeds, adding compost, cleaning the deck and rinsing your outdoor furniture.
4. Clean your gutters
It's something we all know we should do, but tend to push back! Cleaning your gutters of the previous seasons' leaves and debris will allow water to flow more smoothly and avoid clogs - just in time for April showers!
5. Check the attic and basement
Take a deep look at the hidden areas of your attic and basement; mold and pests can easily hide from plain sight. Check for black or green spots that would indicate mold, as well as any physical damage to walls or furnishing from pests. Make sure to call the experts if you suspect a problem.
6. Check your AC
As the weather starts to warm up, you want to make sure that all utilities are prepared and in good condition to avoid any issues when you need actually need them. Change your filters and clean the unit regularly to ensure it is running efficiently.
7. Check for air leaks and seal windows
Keep the cool air inside by getting rid of drafts and air leaks. If you feel a breeze coming through any windows or door frames, you can easily tape up the spots on your own for only a few dollars!
8. Deep clean your carpets
The Winter season has unfortunately tracked in snow, mud and dirt to your floors - even if you can't see it right away. Now is the time to deep clean your carpets to remove hidden germs and start fresh!
Source: ALEXIA DELLNER - PureWow - 3/14/2018
https://www.purewow.com/home/spring-home-maintenance-checklist
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