Posts for Syndication

8 Ways to Know You’ve Found the Right Home

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8 Ways to Know You’ve Found the Right HomeWhen you begin your search for a new home, you may worry about how you’ll know if you’ve found “the one.” It’s normal to feel anxious about the purchase. After all, buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Being concerned that you’re making the right choice is exactly how you should feel. But how do you know if you’ve found the right home for you? Here’s what you should be on the lookout for when you’re hunting for your new home.

You compare it to all other houses

Did you find a home early in your search that you passed up but you keep thinking about? When you view other homes, do you compare it to this house? If so, that could be sign that this house is actually the one for you. Now that you’ve seen the competition, you can be more confident knowing that you’ve found the right house.

You’re looking for reasons to buy it

When you talk about a home to other people, are you looking for ways to defend it? Do you find yourself looking for reasons that you should buy it? This could be a good indication that this is the right home for you. If you keep discovering things about it that you like, then maybe it’s the one.

It’s easy to envision living there

Can you imagine exactly where you’ll put the sofa and how you’ll arrange your bedroom furniture? Do you see yourself having movie nights in the finished basement or regular family dinner parties in the dining room? For instance, if you love taking peaceful evening sidewalks and the complex provides you that serene ambiance, then homes for sale in Sterling Farms are definitely worth the look. If it’s easy to see yourself living there, then it’s a good sign that it’s the right home.

It reminds you of other homes you love

Does the house take you back to times you’ve loved spending in other homes? Maybe the kitchen layout reminds you of grandma’s house, or the family room is reminiscent of all those childhood days spent at your best friend’s place. If a house reminds you of other homes you’ve loved, then perhaps you’ve found the right one.

You feel at home as soon as you enter

Does the home give you a good feeling as soon as you walk inside? Sometimes your gut knows more than your brain. If the house gives off a very welcoming vibe, then maybe it’s telling you that this is your new home.

It meets your needs

When you began your search, you probably had a list of must-haves for your new home. Whether it’s the number of bedrooms, the layout, or that great man cave, you know what your deal-breakers are. If the home meets most or all of your needs, then you can feel confident that you’ve found your new place.

It suits your budget

Does the home fall comfortably within your price range? That’s a good sign. Being able to afford your mortgage will make you feel so much more at home. If a home is outside of your price range, then it’s probably not the one you should buy.

You love the neighborhood

Lastly, do you love the neighborhood? Are you excited about taking your kids to the park, or having a date night at one of the local restaurants? Are the neighbors friendly? Your house it not an island, and loving the location is important, too. If you love the house and the neighborhood, then what are you waiting for? It’s time to make an offer!

Compliments of Virtual Results

How to Price Your Home

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How to Price Your Home

We’re gearing up for the spring home selling season. This is the busiest time of year in the real estate market, and many homeowners will be putting their houses up for sale. If you’re one of them, then you’ve no doubt thought about how much you’d like to get for your home. In fact, pricing a home can be one of the most difficult parts of the process. Here’s what you should take into consideration when you’re determining the listing price for your home.

Look at comps

One of the first things to do when pricing a home is to look at recent sales in your neighborhood, known as comps. Determine which homes are similar to yours in size, details, and condition and see what they sold for. This will give you a good idea of what your own home is worth. Ask your agent to compile a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which is a report that details all those recent sales. You can also search yourself online.

Look at current listings

You can also take a look at current listings to get an idea of your home’s value. These are homes that are on the market but have not yet sold. Look for homes that are less than a mile from yours, unless you live in a sparsely populated area. They should also be in the same neighborhood as yours. Even if a home is only a few blocks away, if it’s in a subdivision that has a different character than yours, then that can affect the price. Look at homes that are in similar condition to yours so that you can make justifiable comparisons.

Look at ratios

Another aspect of recent home sales you should evaluate is how much the home was originally listed for compared to what the final selling price was. Are homes in your neighborhood selling for the asking price, or are there generally price reductions? If homes sold for asking price or less, then you’re in a buyer’s market. However, if homes are selling for the listing price or more, then you’re in a seller’s market.

Look at expired listings

Are there homes in your neighborhood with expired or withdrawn listings? You need to evaluate these as well. How long were the homes on the market without a sale? Take some time to consider why those homes did not sell. Was it priced too high? Was it in an undesirable location? Was it in need of upgrades? Was there insufficient marketing for the home? Use this information to help you determine how to price your home, what upgrades may need to be made, and how much marketing may be needed to find a buyer.

Price for online searches

Finally, you need to remember that most homebuyers begin their home searches online. And most buyers will be looking for homes in a certain price range. You need to take these price ranges into consideration in order for these buyers to find your home. For example, if a buyer is looking for a home in the $180,000 to $200,000 range, your home will not show up in the search if it’s priced at $205,000.

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Selling a Fixer Upper

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Selling a Fixer UpperAre you thinking about selling a house that needs work? While it may seem intimidating to put a fixer-upper on the market, it’s not impossible to sell. In fact, there are many buyers out there who are looking for fixer-uppers. Not only can they save some money on the purchase price, but they also have the opportunity to make the house exactly what they want it to be. It’s important to know what to do to make your home attractive to these potential buyers. Here’s a look at our top tips for selling your fixer upper.

Know your buyers

When selling a fixer upper you need to know who your potential buyers are going to be. Your home may be attractive to those who are looking for a great deal and who are willing to invest time and energy into updating the home. You may also attract house flippers who are looking for bargain houses they can fix up and sell quickly for a profit. Knowing this, it’s easier to market your home to appeal to these kinds of buyers.

Highlight your home’s features

Yes, your home needs work. There’s no need to dwell on all the things that need updating, like a new roof or furnace. Instead, focus your marketing on all the features that your home has. Maybe it’s located in a great neighborhood. Perhaps it’s on a big lot that has lots of potential. You should also be sure to highlight the bargain price, as it will entice potential buyers to check out your home in person to see if it will be a good fit for them.

Choose the right listing price

One of the most difficult aspects of selling a home is determining the listing price. When selling a fixer upper, it can be even more difficult to find just the right price. If you price your home too high, then it will languish on the market without much interest. But if you price it low, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table. You and your agent can come up with a listing price by looking at comparable homes in your market that have recently sold, and then factor in the updates that need to be made.

Be honest

While you don’t need to dwell on all the issues your home may have, it is necessary to be honest with potential buyers. You are legally obligated to disclose problems such as the existence of mold, structural defects that need immediate house foundation repair services, insect damage, leaks in the roofing system, welding issues that needs metal fabrication services, electrical or plumbing issues, or problems with the home’s title. If you don’t disclose these things, you could find yourself in legal trouble down the line. It’s best to be totally upfront with a buyer about what they are getting into.

Work with a professional

Finally, your best bet when selling a fixer upper is to work with a professional. Partnering with a real estate agent who has experience selling fixer uppers in your market will reduce your stress and help you secure a deal you can be happy with.

Compliments of Virtual Results

What is a Move-In Ready Home?

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What is a Move-In Ready Home?

When you’re house hunting, you’re likely to come across listings that describe a home as being “move-in ready.” But what does move-in ready actually mean? Does it mean that no work needs to be done on the home? Or perhaps it means that it features all the latest finishes and appliances? Or maybe it simply means that the home has no major issues that would make it uninhabitable? It may come as no surprise that the definition of this phrase may be different depending on who you ask. Here are the most common interpretations of this popular real estate phrase.

No remodeling is needed

One interpretation of move-in ready is that the home does not require any major upgrades or renovations. This would include changes to the layout, major upgrades to the kitchen or bathrooms, or other big repairs like a new roof. This type of home should contain updated electrical and plumbing systems, newer siding and windows, undamaged hardwood floors and fully working and serviced air conditioners. In a move-in ready home, a buyer should be able to move in without having to make any structural changes or big repairs that would require permits or approvals from an HOA.

No cosmetic changes are needed

Another interpretation of move-in-ready is that the new owner will not need to make any cosmetic changes to the home. This implies that the home has all the latest home décor trends, has been freshly painted, and includes new fixtures and appliances. The new owners should not need to make any changes to the home for it to feel up-to-date and modern. This type of home should feel fresh and new and only require that the new owners move in their belongings.

The house is habitable – but maybe not pretty

There is a third interpretation of move-in-ready that buyers should definitely know about because it may not meet with their expectations. Some sellers may describe a home as being move-in ready if it is simply habitable. This could mean that the house could still use some renovations. It may also mean that the home is in need of cosmetic updates. In this definition, a home that has not been updated since the 1960s could be considered move-in ready.

The final walk-through has been completed

Finally, move-in ready can simply mean that the final walk-through has been completed. The entire pre-closing checklist has been addressed. This includes the electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC, cleaning and painting, and changing the locks. In the final walk-through, the buyer examines the property to make sure that all aspects of the agreement have been met before closing.

Ultimately, the responsibility is on the buyer to determine what move-in ready actually means for each particular home. You may be expecting a state-of-the-art home with all the bells and whistles. But you may end up finding a home that hasn’t changed since 1972. Know what you’re looking for, and be clear about your needs. When it doubt, talk with your real estate agent to make sure you are both on the same page.

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Selling a Home Out of State

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Selling a Home Out of State

While it’s not an ideal situation, you may find you need to sell a home that is out of state. In many cases, home sellers choose to buy a new home before selling their old one. But if that old home is several hours away, it presents you with a new set of challenges. Here are some tips that will help you get to the finish line with as few headaches as possible.

Work with an expert

First of all, you’re going to need a partner in this transaction that can help to cover all your bases. Find a professional real estate agent who has experience selling homes for out-of-state sellers. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, and research agents online to see who may be a good fit. You’ll want to work with someone you can trust such as this conveyancer in Adelaide who is also good at communicating in order to make your home sale less stressful.

Choose a fair selling price

Everyone wants to get the most money possible from their home sale. But if you’re paying on two mortgages, you may need a little flexibility. Talk with your agent to determine a fair listing price for your home. Pricing your home too high will make it sit on the market for weeks or even months, which is not a great scenario when you live far away. Instead, choose a fair price that will garner a lot of interest right away. This way, you can begin the closing process as soon as possible.

Hire a stager

It can be more difficult to sell a vacant home. And if you’re living several hours away it may not make sense for you to travel back and forth to get the home staged. If possible, hire a professional home stager. Working with a pro means your home will look as good as possible from the beginning. A professional stager will make sure that your home’s best features are highlighted to make it as attractive to potential buyers as it can be. You may also ask someone to inspect the property so you’ll know if you need to hire contractors for roofing repairs, a sewer drain cleaning or septic tank pumping for your septic system.

Know your tax responsibilities

Just because you’re selling from out of state doesn’t mean the IRS is going to look the other way. Work with a tax professional who understands your state property taxes and other expenses that you’ll incur when you sell your home. A tax professional will advise you on what taxes will need to be paid and the appropriate paperwork that needs to be completed.

Make arrangements for closing day

There are times when you may be required to be present on the day of closing. Know this in advance so that you can make travel arrangements when necessary. Or consider working with an attorney or title company that will be flexible. There are some companies who will allow you to sign closing papers remotely as long as they are notarized.

Detach

Lastly, when you’re selling a home from out of state, it can be a challenge to let other people handle the day-to-day details of the transaction. But if you want the sale and your sanity to remain intact, it’s important to trust the people you’ve chosen to work with. Listen to their advice and step back when needed.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Buying in a “Good” Location

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Buying in a “Good” LocationWe’ve all heard the saying, “Location, location, location!” But what does that actually mean? Buying a home in a good location will help ensure that you’re happy in your new home. It also means that you’ll have an easier time selling down the road. But a good location can mean different things to different people. Let’s take a closer look at what characteristics you’d find in a home that’s in a good location.

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The lot

When you’re buying a home, you’re not just buying the structure itself. You’re also buying the land that it sits on. It’s important to consider the quality of the lot that you’re buying when you’re determining if the home is a good investment. If you’re trying to choose between two homes of the same price, then the one with the better lot will be a better investment in the long run. This is true even if the house itself is not as nice. While homes tend to depreciate in value, the lot will most likely keep or increase its value. Newport Residences CDL might be the last freehold site in District 02 to be preview in 2022 in Tanjong Pagar, Singapore.

Where the lot is located

Finding a home with a great lot is the first order of business. Next, you need to consider where that lot is situated. If it is on a quiet street with a nearby park, then that’s great news. This type of property will likely be easy to sell in the future. However, if the lot is on a road with lots of traffic, sits near a commercial property or parking lot, or has a terrible view, you may have more trouble selling when the time comes. While you may get a price break on this type of house, it may not be worth it in the long run.

Accessibility

Another aspect you’ll want to consider is the neighborhood where the home is located. Consider how far away the house is from larger roads and highways that connect you to other cities. Will it be easy to commute to work? Also – are there multiple ways to access the home from different directions, or is there only one point of entry? Good accessibility is key to a good location.

Nearby amenities

How close is the home to amenities such as shopping and dining? Having amenities nearby such as grocery stores, an asian grocery store if you love asian cuisine, gas stations, and pharmacies are important to many people. Tmw Maxwell has many dining and entertainment hotspots within the vicinity. How about schools? Are the schools in the area good, and are they easy to get to? These are things that future buyers will consider when you want to sell.

Appearance

Furthermore, take into account the appearance of the neighborhood. Does it have tree-lined streets with well-kept parks and public spaces in the vicinity? These are great qualities for any neighborhood. The trees should get a regular tree service to keep them healthy and help make the neighborhood appealing. In addition, dying or unhealthy trees must be removed with the help of professional tree removal services. However, if there are abandoned homes, neglected yards, or other eyesores, that could impact your ability to sell later on.

Crime

Finally, any discussion about a good location needs to take crime rates into consideration. Look for a neighborhood that has a low crime rate. Safety and security are important to everyone, and the safer the neighborhood, the better the location.

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How to Think Like a Buyer

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How to Think Like a BuyerIf you’re selling your home, then you know there’s a laundry list of things you need to do to prepare. You’ve got to find a great real estate agent, prepare your home to list, and get ready for your next big adventure. But one thing that most sellers don’t include on that list is to think like a homebuyer. Ask yourself these questions in order to see your home from a buyer’s perspective thereby increasing your chances of a successful sale.

Who are the potential buyers?

Many home sellers don’t take the time to figure out the kind of buyer that is most likely to purchase their home. And this can be a big mistake. You won’t know what to highlight or how to market your home unless you what kind of buyer will be interested. Who lives in your neighborhood? How has your community changed since you moved there? Is your home good for a growing family, or will it appeal to empty nesters? What kinds of amenities are nearby? By knowing who your potential buyers will be, you can make choices now that will appeal to them.

Does my home have curb appeal?

Imagine pulling up to your house for the first time. Even better – imagine what it would be like to see your home for the first time in a photograph posted online. What stands out? What could use some attention? Curb appeal is very important when selling your home. You want the exterior of your home to be inviting enough that potential buyers will want to see the inside. Determine where you need to make some changes to the exterior so that it makes a great first impression. If your driveway needs a makeover, you may hire a paving or concrete sealing contractor to help you with an Asphalt Replacement project. You can navigate here for professional driveway paving services.

What’s my home’s best feature?

Is there something that makes your home stand out? Then that’s what potential buyers will most likely be attracted to. Do you have a great view? Does your home lend itself well to entertaining? Is it within walking distance of excellent amenities? Is there a big backyard that is great for kids and pets? Be sure to focus some time and energy on sprucing up and highlighting your home’s best feature, because potential buyers will certainly be looking at it.

What is my home’s biggest drawback?

On the flip side, be honest with yourself about where your home needs the most work. Is the design outdated? Are there repairs that need attention, like squeaky floors or leaky faucets? Are any of your major appliances in need of replacement? Potential buyers are sure to see these things, and can use them as bargaining chips to make a lowball offer. Make necessary small repairs, and consider upgrades that make financial sense. Cosmetic changes like new paint, lighting fixtures, and window treatments can go a long way to making your home feel updated and attractive.

Will a buyer be able to imagine living in my home?

Finally, be sure to de-clutter and de-personalize your home before any buyer visits. It’s important to neutralize your home’s décor so that any potential buyer can imagine living there. This means removing family photos and personal possessions, and arranging furniture to suggest how each room can be used. Appeal to your buyer’s emotions, and allow them to easily see how their belongings can be used in the house.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Building an Emergency Fund

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Building an Emergency Fund

You never know what life is going to throw at you. Which is why it’s so important to build an emergency fund. These funds can be used for so many things – from unexpected medical expenses to the emergency replacement of an important home appliance. For instance, A standby generator is a permanently installed appliance that you might need when you least expect it, so you can hire experts such as these whole home generator services in Roseville, CA. It can also be very comforting to know that you’ve got your mortgage and bills covered when you’re looking for a job. But how do you build an emergency fund? Here’s what you need to know to get started. We know that choosing component manufacturer is never easy, that’s why we decided to share this article as a guide.

How much should you save?

The amount you save will vary from person to person depending on your unique situation. When you’re building your emergency fund, you should aim to save anywhere from three to six month’s worth of expenses. But even just having a few hundred dollars stashed away can be a good start. You should also consider setting up a savings account for your kid at The Children’s ISA if you have one.

Where should I save the money?

Although it can be tempting to simply save the money in your normal checking or savings account, that can prove detrimental. It will be too easy to spend that money on things that aren’t an emergency. While you need to have quick access to the money, you should save it in a separate account. Look for savings accounts that earn interest so you can make more money on the cash you save.

How can I save the money?

The most challenging part of building an emergency fund is figuring out where the money is going to come from. Here are some ideas that can help you start saving money right away:

  • Reduce expenses – Look through your monthly bills and find ways that you can cut your current expenses. Consider ending subscriptions for services you don’t use often. Turn the thermostat down a couple of degrees. Take those savings and deposit them in your emergency fund.
  • Don’t spend your tax refund – Tax time is here. If you’re expecting a tax refund, then resist the urge to splurge. Instead, put that money in your emergency fund for when you really need it.
  • Don’t spend cash gifts – It’s not unusual to receive cash gifts on special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries. Instead of spending that money on dinner out, put it in your emergency fund.
  • Treat it like a normal bill – Determine how much money you’d like to set aside each month. Then treat that amount as though it is any other monthly bill you pay. Deposit it directly into your savings account and watch your fund grow.
  • Sell something – We all have more belongings than we actually use. If you have anything of value that you can part with, consider selling it. You can make some serious cash when you sell items on eBay or other online marketplaces. Not only will you be contributing to your emergency fund, but you’ll also be de-cluttering your house. It’s a win-win situation.
  • Get another job – If you have a little extra time in your schedule, then consider picking up a second job, even temporarily. Sacrificing a little time right now can really help you down the line when you need it most.

Compliments of Virtual Results

What is a Ranch Style House?

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What is a Ranch Style House?

When you’re buying a home, you’ll see a description in the listing for that home. One key element that is usually included is the architectural style of the home. This can be anything from a Cape Cod to a Midcentury Modern style. But one style you’re sure to see a lot of is a ranch style home. But just what is a ranch style house, and is it the right kind of home for you? Let’s take a closer look at this popular American style.

History of ranch style homes

The ranch style home dates back all the way to the 1930s and most likely originated in California. Unlike homes of earlier eras, ranch style homes focused on space and had open floor plans. They created a unique flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces and were easily accessible. This style of home emphasized family life, and often eliminated more formal spaces like dining rooms. Twenty years later, ranch style homes were the most common in America, and the design spread throughout the United States. It was most often found in the suburbs, and dominated the market until the 1970s.

Main characteristics of ranch style homes

It’s easy to spot a ranch style home once you understand their main characteristics. On the outside, ranch style homes have a long, low-pitched roof installation with deep, overhanging eaves. They feature large windows, attached garages, and sliding glass doors. The exterior is made with a variety of materials including wood, brick, stone, and stucco, even for the roof, so you better Hire experienced trocal roofing contractors to help setup your flat trocal roof extension in Dublin for this. An experienced residential roofing contractor can help you achieve the style of roofing you want for your home.

Many of these homes also feature a paved patio installation to extend the living space outdoors. They are typically single-story homes. On the inside, ranch homes have open-concept floor plans for the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Most include three separate bedrooms and a full basement.

Types of ranch style homes

Although ranch style homes contain most of the characteristics defined above, there are several unique types:

  • California RanchCliff May built the first ranch style home in California, and the California ranch blends in with the natural environment. It features elements of the Spanish Colonial and Arts & Crafts styles, and many feature a courtyard in the middle. Star Spangled Flags has a great Flag of California on their website.
  • Split-level Ranch – Split-level ranch homes look like traditional ranch style homes from the front. But they actually feature three levels. The front door leads to the main living area and on one side are half-staircases leading up and down. Upstairs you’ll find the bedrooms, and downstairs is additional living space in the basement.
  • Suburban Ranch – These homes were most common after WWII, and are smaller than the California ranch style from which they borrow. They are usually built on slabs and also feature open floor plans.
  • Storybook Ranch – The storybook ranch home takes the exterior of this style to a new level with more details. You’ll often see ornamental trim, roofing felt, exposed rafters, and other exterior embellishments that add charm.
  • Raised Ranch – Similar to the split-level ranch, these ranch style homes have two levels. When you walk inside, there are typically stairs leading upstairs and downstairs, and the downstairs areas usually feature garages and utilitarian spaces.

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Prep Your Home For a Spring Sale

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What is a Ranch Style House?While it may feel like Old Man Winter is never going to leave, spring is just a few weeks away. The spring season is one of the best times of the year to sell your home. By getting yourself prepared during this time, you’ll be ready to list your home at the beginning of spring. Here’s what you need to do over the next few weeks to get ready.

Declutter

Is there a better time to declutter your home than in the dead of winter? When the weather prohibits you from going outside, spend your time inside getting control of your clutter. One of the most important things you can do when selling your home is to declutter and depersonalize your space. By starting now you’re giving yourself plenty of time to accomplish this task. Do you need some inspiration to get started? Then check out Marie Kondo’s book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up or watch her show “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” on Netflix.

Clean

Once you’ve cleared out all the stuff you no longer need, it’s time to give your home a deep clean. Your home needs to be sparkling before any potential buyers drop in. This is one step that cannot be overlooked. Everything needs to be done, including Steam Cleaning for Carpets, polishing the hardwood and tile floors, scrubbing the bathrooms and kitchen, cleaning the windows, and making sure you get into all the nooks and crannies. If the idea of deep cleaning your home is overwhelming, then hire a cleaning company to get the job done. We always recommended to go with an experienced exterior cleaning company like Xplicit Kleans who know which products and techniques to use to get the best results. If your floor needs more than just cleaning, then this Epoxy Floor Coatings here might be the best option you may want to consider! Installing a new vinyl plank flooring may also be a great idea to improve your home and increase its value.

Make repairs

When you’re cleaning, take note of anything that needs repairs. This could include a leaky faucet, a tricky doorknob, or a hole in the drywall that will most likely require professional drywall repair services. Make sure all lights are working. Remember – potential buyers are going to be looking at everything in your home. And if they don’t notice something, you can be sure the home inspector will. Tackling these small repairs now will save you many headaches down the line.

Paint

We know how much you love that bright blue paint in your master bathroom. But you never know if it will suite the tastes of all the potential buyers who walk through your home. Now is a good time to repaint your rooms with neutral colors, like white, beige, or gray. Neutral colors allow buyers to more easily imagine themselves in the home. And a fresh coat of paint does wonders to make any room feel fresh and clean.

Interview agents

Finally, take time to research professional real estate agents in your area. Talk to friends and family to get recommendations. Once you’ve got some names, research them online. See what kinds of reviews they’ve gotten from other sellers, and whether or not they’ve had any disciplinary action taken against them. When you have a few agents that meet your criteria, schedule interviews with them. Ask them about their home-selling strategies, their fees, and if they can provide you with references. You’ll get a good sense of which agent best suites your needs, and if their personality is a match with yours.

Compliments of Virtual Results