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When most homeowners think of curb appeal, they imagine hours spent planting and tending an elaborate garden. But curb appeal doesn’t begin and end with plants and flowers. In fact, you can create amazing curb appeal even if you don’t have a green thumb. Here are some excellent ideas for boosting the look of your home’s exterior without ever having to plant one flower, bush, or tree.

Conceal eyesores

There’s nothing beautiful about trashcans, utility boxes, garden hoses or the cluttered tools in your garage. But don’t let these practical objects take away from your home’s outdoor charm. There are many ways that you can easily conceal these eyesores. You may improve your garage floor by adding concrete coatings. Garbage and recycle bins can be hidden with a simple enclosure that you can make yourself or buy and assemble. Use large faux rocks to camouflage pipes, meters, or utility boxes. Or choose a decorative container for storing your garden hose.

Create crisp edges

Crisp edges around garden beds and lawns create a polished look that can add tons of character with minimal work. Regularly trim your grass and keep the edges neat. This gives your entire yard a polished, manicured look. You can use either a power edger or a manual edger. Power edgers work well on straight lines, but you may need a manual tool for more detailed curves. You can also create sharp edges around garden beds with bricks, trim, pavers, or wood.

Power wash

While you’re out there tending to your lawn, it’s also a good idea to give the outside of your home a deep cleaning. You can do this by setting your garden hose on the strongest setting and spraying down the exterior, sidewalks, driveways, decks, and porches. For an even deeper cleaning, consider renting a power washer. Just be careful not to spray windows and doorways or you could cause damage. If you decide to redo your driveway, you may also consider a sealcoating service to protect it. You may purchase asphalt from trusted asphalt suppliers if you are planning to have an asphalt driveway.

Paint the front door

Nothing refreshes the outside of your home quite like a fresh coat of paint on your front door. You can create a beautiful focal point by choosing a color in an eye-catching shade. Not sure what color to choose? You’ll find endless inspiration online to help you decide what kind of mood you’d like to create.

Add accent lighting

We all know how important it is to have plenty of light outside so you can easily see at night. Porch lights, bollard lighting, garage lights, and motion-sensing lights add character to your home and help keep you safe. But you can add even more charm by installing some simple accent lighting. Hang solar-powered lanterns from trees and shrubs or choose stake lights to highlight garden beds. Check out the range at Festoon Lights and illuminate your garden with vintage festoon lighting.

Create a conversation area

Once you’ve made your outdoor areas so inviting you’re going to want to spend time in them. Create conversation nooks that allow you to enjoy your hard work with friends, family, and neighbors. Add a garden bench under a tree or café table with two chairs to your front porch. Make it even more inviting by painting chairs and benches in attractive colors. Add soft, weather-resistant pillows and a side table to hold your glasses of ice-cold lemonade for those hot summer days ahead.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Spring is the busiest time of year in the real estate market. Now is the time when many families with children begin looking at homes for sale so that they can move in between school years. In fact, there may be so many buyers that you’ll be faced with stiff competition. When you’re getting ready to buy in the spring, it’s essential that you’re prepared. When you have your paperwork together, you’ll be able to make an offer more quickly and possibly even close the deal sooner. This will make you a more attractive buyer and more likely to have your offer accepted. Get a head start by gathering the paperwork you’ll need to have ready when you buy a home.

Tax documents

When you’re buying a home, lenders will be gathering information about your finances. This includes at least two years of tax returns. Lenders use this information to verify the income you report. If your income has changed considerably over the last couple of years, be prepared to explain why and provide documentation.

Proof of income

Do you have the money to the buy the home? Lenders will want to see at least one month’s worth of pay stubs. This gives a greater picture of your financial health than just your tax documents alone. If you have any other sources of income, like child support or self-employment income, then be prepared to provide proof of these as well.

Employment information

Compile a list of all your employers for the last two years. Include company names, addresses, names of your current and former bosses or the human resources department, and contact information. Businesses use the help of an HR consultancy company in the UK to deal with this so you may be in contact with one when you reach out to your employer.

Financial statements

You’ll need to show up to two month’s worth of important financial statements for checking and savings accounts, CDs, stocks, bonds, and IRAs. You’ll also need to show where your down payment money is coming from.

Earnest money information

When you make an offer on a home you’ll be submitting earnest money. Have documentation ready that shows where the earnest money is coming from. If the money is a gift, then you will need a letter from the person who is giving the gift, usually a family member.

Residential history

Have a record on hand of at least two years of residential history including addresses, names and contact information for landlords.

Credit report

Lenders will pull your credit report, but you should definitely get a copy for yourself. This will alert you if there are any errors on your report so that you can have them fixed before applying for a home loan.

Debt information

Do you have any other loans? This includes car loans, mortgages, credit card debts, or student loans. Gather statements for each debt to show your remaining balances and gather account numbers and contact information for each lender.

Property ownership documents

Do you currently own a home or have you owned one in the past? Then be ready to show proof of property ownership or documents related to the sale of the home.

Photo identification

Finally, make sure you have a current photo ID, such as a driver’s license, so that your identity can be verified.

Compliments of Virtual Results

The busiest season in the real estate market is upon us. Are you one of the many homeowners who will put their homes on the market this spring? You’re going to face more competition at this time of year, so it’s essential that you’re prepared. Here’s a rundown of what you need to do to get your home ready for a spring sale.

Make repairs

It’s easy to live with all those little problems as the years go by. But now is the time to tackle the small repairs on your to-do list. Buyers will be looking at every square inch of your home. You can believe that they will make note of any leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or malfunctioning lights. Be sure to set aside time to tackle all these repairs so that you can get the best price for your home. If your property needs roof repairs, you may request for Xactimate estimates from multiple roofers.

Spruce up the exterior

Spring is the best time of the year to make the exterior of your home look inviting. Take a weekend to clean up any debris left over from winter like branches and fallen leaves. Power wash exterior walls, decks, porches, and sidewalks. Patch cracks in your driveway. Plant colorful annuals in flowerbeds and add a few pots of flowers near the front door. You might also consider swapping out your mailbox, welcome mat, and house numbers for something new. Paint your front door a welcoming color that catches the eye. You may also consider getting a roof repair or replacement and hire a helpful roofer to assist you. A little curb appeal can go a long way.

Clean up inside

If you’re selling your home, then you need to put your spring-cleaning in overdrive. Make it sparkle! Deep clean carpets and floors and wash all the windows. Clean out the garage and basement. Go through all drawers, cabinets and closets and donate unused items. Your home needs to be clutter-free and there’s no use dragging things you don’t use to your next home. Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by this particular job? Then don’t be afraid to outsource your cleaning project to a professional.

Eliminate bad smells

It’s easy to get used to what your home smells like so you no longer notice it. While you’re cleaning, make note of any unpleasant odors you may encounter. In fact, have a trusted friend or family member do a walk-through of your home. Ask them if they notice any unusual smells, like pet odors or cigarette smoke. Unpleasant smells can be very off-putting to buyers, so you must tackle them right away. Use cleaning products suitable for each type of odor, and open all the windows to air out your home. When showing your home, you can lightly scent the air with candles, essential oil diffusers, stovetop potpourri, or even baking cookies.

Neutralize your décor

Lastly, it’s so important that potential buyers are able to imagin

e living in your home. No matter how attached you are to your own sense of style, you need to detach and think like a buyer. Repaint rooms in neutral colors like off-white, beige, light blue, and light gray. Pack away any personal items like photographs or sports memorabilia. If you have any bulky furniture, put it in storage. You want to make your home feel light, bright, and spacious.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Did you know that most homebuyers begin their home searches online? That means that before they ever step foot inside your home, potential buyers are forming opinions about it. You want your home to be well represented in your online listing and entice buyers to want to view it in person. To do this, you need great real estate photos. These are six of the most common mistakes you’ll want to avoid so that your home’s pictures shine.

Not enough light

It’s surprising how often this happens, but some real estate photos are just too dark. You want you home to be bright and inviting. This means opening all the curtains and blinds and turning on the lights when you take the pictures. Let as much natural light in as possible and support it with layered lighting to eliminate shadows and dark corners. If needed, use a flash. Otherwise, your home could look dingy, cold, and uninviting. Learn more on this site about how to take the best photographs of your rooms.

Strange backgrounds

Ideally, your home should be de-cluttered, cleaned, and staged before you take any of your listing photos. But even then, you might still end up having something in the background that shouldn’t be there. Make sure you can’t see your reflection in the mirror in any photos. We recommend clicking here for more mirror options in case you need to replace it.

Also check for things like laundry baskets and children’s or pet’s toys in the background. And make sure your toilet lid in the bathroom is always down.

Wrong focus

We’ve all seen real estate photos that just don’t capture the spirit of a home because they’re focusing on the wrong things. In each room you photograph, determine where the focus will be. What do you want to highlight? According to Christophe Viseux Photography, it’s important to make that the focus of your image, whether it’s the amazing view from the bedroom windows or the spaciousness of an open concept living area.

Blurry photos

One of the worst things you can do is to use blurry photos of your home. With digital photography, you can take as many pictures as you need to make sure it’s in focus. If you have trouble keeping your hands steady, then use a tripod. Although there are many things you can fix when editing your photos later on, it’s very difficult to fix a blurry image.

Too much editing

On the other hand, you can go overboard with your photo editing. It’s so easy to clean up simple mistakes in most photo editing programs. But you need to know when enough is enough. You can boost the lighting and square off photos, but resist the urge to use Photoshop to actually alter your images. If there is an aspect of your home you dislike, such as a poor view, then you can downplay it other ways instead of eliminating it completely. Otherwise, potential buyers will feel cheated when they visit your home in person.

Not enough photos

Lastly, homebuyers need to see enough of your home to inspire them to visit in person. If your listing only has a handful of photos, it’s not doing your home justice. On the other hand, there’s no need to go overboard. Plan to post around 15 photos of your home to maximize the effect.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re looking to beat out other offers in a competitive real estate market, then paying all cash can be a great option. There are many ways that homebuyers could find themselves with enough cash to make this feasible. Perhaps you’ve been saving, you’ve inherited a sizable amount of money, or you’ve won a big prize. If you’re in a position to buy a home with cash, then here’s what you should consider.

Your offer will be taken seriously

When you make an all-cash offer on a home, the seller will take your offer seriously. When a home seller knows the buyer won’t need to apply for financing, it can make the deal so much easier. They won’t have to worry your loan won’t close, and the closing process can take much less time. Cash can really work to your advantage when you know the competition will be stiff.

You could save money

If you’re willing to pay for a home with cash, then a seller may be more likely to offer you a better deal on the home. Paying with cash gives you great bargaining power. Sell Direct Iowa pays in cash too, learn more about them on their website. When sellers know that they’ll get their money sooner and with less hassle with a cash offer, they may be much more open to negotiating on the price.

You’ll save time and stress

Applying for a mortgage takes time and can cause a lot of stress for many homebuyers. When you pay with cash, you eliminate the need to apply for a home loan. These days, underwriters require an enormous amount of paperwork to complete the loan process. In other cases, a homebuyer may have trouble securing a home loan. This could be because of poor credit, unreliable income, or already having an existing mortgage on a home.

You won’t take on more debt

Knowing that you won’t have a monthly mortgage payment can bring you enormous peace of mind. Paying the mortgage is one of the most stressful aspects of owning a home. Eliminating that payment can make life much easier, especially as you approach retirement age.

Your money will be tied to one asset

On the flipside, you should also consider that buying a home with cash ties up a large part of your money in one asset. Many financial advisors recommend diversifying your assets, which can be more difficult when most of your savings are being spent on a home. Understand that your home is a place to live as opposed to just an investment.

You’ll lose liquidity

Liquidity refers to how quickly you can get cash from your investment. When you invest all your money in a home, your assets are not as liquid. If can take several months to sell a home and recoup your money. However, you may be able to take out a home equity loan by borrowing against your equity. Just be sure to research interest rates and fees to understand the financial ramifications.

Your home could decline in value

Finally, it’s important to remember that the value of your home could depreciate over time. Though home prices continue to remain high, there is always the chance that the market could slow. You must consider your own financial situation to determine if you should take on that risk.

Compliments of Virtual Results

When 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

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.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are 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

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.

Compliments of Virtual Results

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