Homeseller

Are you getting less for your house than it's worth? 3 Steps for Sellers to Make the Most out of Philly's Seller's Market

Are you getting less for your house than it's worth? 3 Steps for Sellers to Make the Most out of Philly's Seller's Market

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:


Q &U + Bridge Loan Services

A simple solution to bridge the gap between the home you have and the home you want

Our Bridge Loan Services gets you access to competitive rates and dedicated support from industry-leading lenders, with the exclusive option to get up to six months of your loan payments fronted when you sell your home with me.

How it works

01

Work with me to find your next dream home.

02

Apply and get approved for a bridge loan with the lender of your choice.

03

Work with me to get the first six months of your bridge loan payments fronted.

04

Move into your new home while I work to sell your current home faster and for more money.

05

When your old home sells, simply use the proceeds to pay back the bridge loan and any fronted monthly payments.


Curious to learn more? Contact me to discuss how

Q & U + Bridge Loan Services could help you.

5 Reasons You Should Be Using Concierge

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1. Maximize the value of your home.

Easily increase the market value of your home and sell for a higher price.

2. Show your home in its best light.

From painting to flooring, Concierge services can help your home look its best before hitting the market.


3. Sell your home faster.

Concierge helps you attract more buyers so that you can sell your home quickly. 

4. No upfront costs or interest.

Funds will be advanced to you for home improvement services. When your home sells, you’ll pay the costs of services rendered and nothing more. 

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5. Concierge is hassle free.

From assessing which updates will increase your home’s value the most, to recommending the best vendors for the job, you’ll have my complete guidance and assurance at every step.

Contact us today to learn more about how Concierge can help you make the most of your sale!

Is it Time to Move up?

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.

I’m Planning a Move; When Should I Reach Out to a Real Estate Agent?

Sellers today have access to endless data and information, making it easier than ever before when it comes to beginning to plan their next move.

If a move is in your future and you do not have a pressing deadline, it is wise to get a jump start on your planning. This advanced planning can potentially help you correctly time the market, reduce stress, and maximize profit.

But how far in advance should you start to plan?

If you Google this question you will see all sorts of articles and advice. However, this well-meaning advice may not fit your situation. There are many important factors to consider:

  • The seasonality of your market – when is the best time of year to sell in your area?

  • Best timing for you family – for example, the end of the school year?

  • How much time do you need to allow for the work you want to do in order to prepare the home for sale?

Each homeowner’s situation is unique and often the best step is to consult with an experienced real estate professional early in the planning.  While you may not yet be ready to list the home for sale, a quality real estate agent would be delighted to spend time with you in advance to help create an appropriate sales strategy and customized marketing proposal.

This type of professional consult may help you dial in the details of your move. An agent can also help you avoid spending money on items to prep the home for sale by advising you on changes that are not valuable or necessary. This consult can even help you or connect you to the help you need to shop your next destination.

Ready to Make a Move?

Stage Your Home Like a Pro

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!

Eight Things Homeowners Should do Every Spring

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


Are Online Values Accurate?

Have you ever checked your home’s value online only to be seriously disappointed by the results?

It’s no wonder, because you home is unique. In order to get a true and accurate evaluation, factors such as location, upgrades, and many others need to be evaluated by a local professional who is a market expert and can give you a true and accurate estimate of the highest realistic price for the home.

If you are simply curious, online research might be enough to satisfy your curiosity. If, you need a more accurate value let us know and we’re happy to provide a Custom Home Evaluation. This is a free service I provide as a way of demonstrating my willingness to earn your consideration if you should need to list your home in the future.

4 Questions You Should Ask Your Real Estate Agent About the Market

When shopping for a home, we’re understandably preoccupied with the physical features of our future abode. How many bedrooms and bathrooms? Is there a first-floor master suite? Enough space in the yard for a pool?
 
While those details are of course paramount, there is some other critical information you should know about any home you’re considering buying: local market statistics. The house you buy is not only the place where you will raise your family and live the lifestyle you’ve always wanted; it’s most likely one of the biggest—if not the biggest—investments you will make in your lifetime.
 
Make sure you’re making a wise investment by asking your real estate agent the following questions:

 
 

  1. What’s the average time on market, and how has it changed in recent years?Knowing how quickly homes in your market sell is a great indicator of how much you will be able to profit off the sale of your home in years to come. Also be sure to ask how the days on market is expected to trend in the coming year.

  2. What’s the average sales price in your market? This is important to know in order to gauge whether you’re getting a sweet deal or potentially overpaying and hurting your chances to at least recoup your money when you sell. Find out if the average sales price has gone up or down in the last year or so and in which direction it will head over the coming year.

  3. What’s the current inventory of homes for sale in your market? Inventory is an easy way to determine whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market. Both have their advantages. If inventory is high and you’re in a buyer’s market, you can negotiate a better deal. If inventory is low and you’re in a seller’s market, expect to pay above listing price. However, if market stats show that you will be in a seller’s market for years to come, you can make a nice profit should you choose to sell.

  4. What’s the rate of building and construction in your market? New homes, apartment buildings and businesses are all excellent indicators that you’re buying in a thriving and expanding market, which bodes well for your investment. Conversely, if businesses are closing or moving out of town, and if new-home construction is stagnant, your market may be experiencing a decline. 

Bear in mind, while market stats are extremely important, if you’ve found a great home in an area you love, and plan on staying put for many years, it’s most likely a wise choice. Real estate is still the safest and smartest long-term investment.
 

Have More Questions?