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It’s often said a picture is worth a thousand words. But can you be sure those words are totally accurate? If you’ve been house hunting and have fallen in love with a home based on the pictures you’ve seen online, you should keep in mind that those pictures may not tell the whole story. Here’s why it’s vitally important that you visit potential new homes in person.

Digital photography can be deceiving

Photography has come a long way in the last few years. If you’re viewing an online listing that uses professional photographs, you are seeing the home at it’s absolute best. Photographers can use wide-angle lenses that make rooms appear larger than they actually are. Image processing can make rooms look like they get copious natural light, or make older homes appear brand new. While it is not usually the seller’s intention to deceive you, it does make an in-person visit a necessity – especially when the online photos make a house look amazing.

Photos focus on the positive

Home listings will generally focus on all the positive aspects of a home, and the included pictures will reflect that. If the home has a beautifully landscaped yard or a master suite with luxury amenities, you can be sure those will be highlighted in the photos. What you may not get a picture of are the rooms that haven’t been refurbished, that dark corner in the basement or the neighbors who are so close you can reach out and touch them. If you think a listing may be too good to be true, an in-person visit can uncover any issues that may not be obvious.

You need to experience a home with all your senses

While online photos and videos can give you a great idea of what a home looks like, it doesn’t let you experience it with all your senses. Only an in-person visit can tell you what a home sounds or smells like. Are there noisy neighbors who play music late into the night? Is the home downwind of a factory that occasionally emits a strange odor? These are characteristics that you can’t experience through an online listing.

A home is part of a neighborhood

No matter how much you love a house, it is typically not an island unto itself. Homes are parts of neighborhoods, which have a direct impact on your quality of life. Visiting in person gives you a much better sense of the character of a neighborhood – more than what a visit via Google Earth can tell you. How well do the neighbors maintain their homes? Do people take walks in the evening? Are neighbors friendly and helpful, or do they generally keep to themselves? Do the people next door have chickens in their backyard, complete with a rooster that wakes with the morning sun?

While online listings can present a good overview of a home, it can’t tell the whole story. If you want to get a true sense of a potential new place, it’s best to schedule an in-person visit with your agent.

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Leaping into the home buying process for the first time can be intimidating. It seems like there are so many things to know and decisions to make. It’s enough to keep even the most together person from making their dream of home ownership come true.

If you have some doubts, worries or fears as you navigate the real estate market for the first time, let these quotes inspire you to keep a healthy perspective and to move forward with courage.

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it.” – Nora Roberts

New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts knows a thing or two about going after what you want. After all, she’s written more than 200 novels. The same principle applies when thinking about becoming a homeowner. It will never happen if you don’t put the wheels in motion to make it happen. If you’re ready and willing, now is the time.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain

Are you letting “what if” scenarios keep you from buying your first home? What if I hate my new house? What if I can’t pay the mortgage? What if I feel like I’m in over my head? Worry is normal, especially when making a big decision like buying a home. But letting worry keep you from your dreams is a recipe for an unhappy life. In twenty years, will you be more disappointed that you had some unexpected bumps in the road or that you never realized your dream of becoming a homeowner?

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” – Dalai Lama

Are you bummed because you put in an offer on a house that you loved, but the seller ultimately chose someone else? Yes, that can be disappointing. But don’t throw in the towel just yet. Sometimes missing out on one opportunity brings another opportunity that is even more in line with your dreams.

“The only thing you can really control is how you react to things out of your control.” – Bassam Tarazi

The home buying process can be both complex and stressful. That doesn’t mean you have to let it get the best of you. Sometimes things happen that are out of your control. This could include everything from having unexpected issues turn up during the inspection to dealing with an unresponsive seller. You don’t always have control over what happens to you, but you do have control over how you react to those situations. Take some deep breaths, go for a walk and keep a healthy emotional detachment from the process when necessary.

“There’s no place like home.” – Dorothy Gale

When you’re deep in the process and it feels like you will never find the perfect home, let alone get to closing day, remember these words of wisdom from the Wizard of Oz. There really is no place like home. It’s worth muscling through challenges to find the home that’s just right for you. Keep your eye on the end game, and before you know it, you’ll be settling into a place of your very own.

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If you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s time to get organized. Selling your home is a big undertaking, and you can help yourself in the long run if you get organized beforehand. Here are our best tips for what you need to get together before putting your home on the market.

Organize your papers

There are key documents you will need to have readily accessible as you move through the sales process. Get as many of these together as you can at the beginning to avoid scrambling at the last minutes. Paperwork you should gather includes:

• Original sales contract with the purchase price listed
• Documents related to financing
• Tax records
• Title and ownership records like property surveys and certificates of compliance with building codes
• Homeowners’ insurance records
• Appraisal and inspection documents
• Receipts from home improvements and repairs
• Manuals and warranties for included appliances
• HOA documents

Organize your marketing strategy

Work with your real estate agent to devised a comprehensive marketing strategy. How will you get the word out about your home sale? Some tactics to consider include:

• Determining where the home will be listed online, including social media sites
• Deciding who will take the listing photos and videos
• Creating a stand-alone website for your sale
• Holding open houses
• Designing and printing flyers and mailers

Organize your home

A crucial step in getting organized for your sale is to prep your home for showings. In order to make your home look as inviting as possible to potential buyers, you should:

• Remove all personal items by stashing them in drawers or packing them up and keeping them in a storage unit. You want potential buyers to be able to imagine their own families in your space, which is tough if your grandmother is looking down on them from the fireplace mantel.
• Make the space feel bigger by removing bulky furniture and rearrange what’s left to create the best traffic flow.
• Thoroughly clean every room of the house. Remember, this includes closets and cabinets, as potential buyers are likely to take a peek inside them.
• Make necessary repairs such as fixing leaky faucets, repairing loose doorknobs and replacing burnt-out lights.
• Repaint in neutral colors and keep curtains open to let in as much light as possible.
• Spruce up your curb appeal by cleaning up the yard, patching the sidewalk and driveway with the help of a professional concrete pumping service, and planting colorful annuals. If you notice any cracks on your driveway or walkway, there are residential concrete mudjacking services that can help.

Organize your mind

Lastly, it’s important to get in the right frame of mind as you prepare to sell your home. There’s no denying that you have formed a strong emotional attachment to your home during your time living there. It’s essential that you take time to emotionally disengage so that you can treat your home sale like the business transaction that it truly is. Decide beforehand how you will handle certain situations, like a bidding war, and don’t take it personally should a potential buyer ask for modifications. Instead, focus your emotional energy on the next phase of your life, and understand that selling your home is a necessary step in achieving your goals.

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Does your outdoor space make a good first impression? Your home’s exterior is the first thing that potential buyers will see when they take a tour. Are you making the most of it? If you think your outdoor spaces could use a little TLC as you get ready to sell, here are some tips to help you stage them like a pro.

Clean it up

If you do nothing else, you should at the very least clean up your home’s exterior. This includes trimming trees and bushes, cleaning up dead leaves and debris, and pressure-washing decks, patios and siding. You’d be surprised the difference that a good cleaning can make to the outside. It’s almost like adding a fresh coat of paint.

Make minor repairs

Along with a thorough cleaning, make note of any small issues around the exterior of your home and repair them. We’re talking about gutter cleaning and repairing the gutters, repairing your siding with the help of a siding contractor, patching the sidewalk and driveway with the help of an asphalt paving contractor, fixing that faulty step on the front porch and making sure all the exterior lights are functional.

Make the front porch inviting

Regardless of whether or not your front porch is large enough for people to sit and linger, you should make it as inviting as possible. Repaint your front door to a cheerful and welcoming shade. Install adequate lighting, read https://amazingarchitecture.com/articles/how-to-pick-outdoor-lighting-that-will-complement-your-homes-designs for tips. Add a tasteful and seasonal wreath and buy a new doormat. Add a couple of comfortable chairs if space allows, each with a decorative pillow. Keep it simple, cozy and inviting.

Spruce up the back deck

If you have a Bay Area Deck, you want to demonstrate to potential buyers how much use they can get out of it. After cleaning, add a new coat of stain or paint to make it fresh. Create distinct spaces with obvious uses. Set up a small dining area, a gmg ledge grill to cook with, ready for an outdoor meal. Create a conversation nook with chairs or benches arranged around a central focal point such as a fire pit.

Don’t forget the backyard

Even if you think your backyard is not important, you can add appeal by adding a small café table and a couple of chairs to create a space where someone could enjoy their morning coffee. Place a bench near some birdfeeders to draw people out into the yard to see the possibilities. Check out this article about What Are Some Parging Alternatives You Can Find?

Soften hard spaces with potted plants

If your outdoor areas feature large expanses of hardscape, soften them with potted plants. Place flowers or topiaries near the front door. Make a corner more inviting with three potted plants of varying heights placed together. Install a wall garden with succulents to define and soften a deck space.

Install finishing touches

Finally, don’t forget all the finishing touches that buyers will notice. Repaint or replace your mailbox. Install new house numbers. Switch out dated hardware like doorknobs and exterior lights. You don’t have to spend a fortune, and it can considerably improve the appearance of your home’s exterior.

Ultimately, put yourself in a buyer’s shoes and think about what kind of impression your home’s exterior makes. With a little time and effort, your outdoor spaces can entice buyers to make an offer.

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Front doors make an undeniable first impression. Whether it’s a cheerful yellow, an on-trend purple or a welcoming red, the color of your front door can have a major impact on how your home is perceived. If you’re ready to take your front door from drab to fab, here are some guidelines to help you choose the perfect hue.

Understand your home’s style

If you’re unsure where to start when choosing a color, look to the style of your home. The architectural elements and personality of your house can help dictate what colors will look best. Also take into account construction materials and surrounding landscape. For example, a Mediterranean style home would look fabulous with a blue front door, but a black door may seem out of place. Read further and learn about the benefits of installing amazon wireless doorbell whether it be at your office or residence. Since wireless doorbell comes with high-technology, most of them will send you fast alerts whenever the device is triggered. It could be in the form of emails or text messages. This allows you to monitor your visitors by simply using your mobile device

Understand your personal style

Just like understanding the character of your home, you should also consider your own personal style when choosing a paint color. Are you traditional or trendy? Bold or subdued? Playful or orderly? Your home is ultimately a reflection of the people who live within it, so don’t be afraid to let your front door have a little personality.

Understand what colors convey

Now that you’ve studied your home and considered the impact you want to make, it’s time to choose a color. Understanding what each color conveys can help make that decision much easier.

• Orange – Orange is a great color that conveys a variety of messages, since it is both cheerful and earthy.
• Purple – Purple can be an overwhelming color when used in excess, but it’s the perfect statement color for a small space like a front door. It also pairs well with nearly all the exterior colors.
• Yellow – There’s no denying that yellow is associated with cheerfulness, happiness and warmth. Choose yellow if you want to set an inviting and energetic tone.
• Red – A popular color for a front door, red is confident, passionate and sophisticated. If you’re worried red is too bright, choose a darker, more subdued shade.
• Green – Green is fresh and pairs well with the surrounding landscape. It also signals that this is the house to watch for style and design inspiration.
• Black – Choosing black as a front door color shows that you are bold and confident. This dramatic color can lend a feeling of elegance.
• Blue – Feeling a bit different? Then try painting your front door a shade of blue. Blue is memorable and unique, and creates a calm and dreamy vibe.

A note on paint type

In addition to the color, you should also pay attention to the kind of paint you choose. Glossy finishes work best on most exterior doors, as they hold up well to nicks and scrapes. However, keep in mind that high-gloss paint should be avoided on older doors with imperfections, as this finish will make those problems more noticeable. Make sure to choose exterior paint, and use a coat of primer for the best results. Also be sure that you stay consistent with using latex or oil-based paints.

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Getting a divorce is a stressful and emotionally draining process. Add to it the prospect of selling your home, and now you’ve got a challenging situation even under the best of circumstances. If you and your former spouse have agreed to sell your home during a divorce, follow these tips to make the process as seamless as possible.

Choose a neutral agent

During a divorce, it’s advisable to work with a professional real estate agent who has experience dealing with home sales as a result of divorce. Selling a house is stressful, so having an agent can help relieve some of the burden. It’s important that you choose an agent who is neutral. A good place to start is with the agent who helped you buy your home. If not, work towards finding an agent you both can agree on.

Agree on the listing price

One of the benefits of working with a qualified agent is that he or she can give valuable advice on the listing price. By putting this decision in your agent’s hands, you can help eliminate one potential source of conflict.

Determine how the home will be prepared

Preparing a home for showing is a crucial step in the selling process. If both parties have moved out the house, let your agent hire a professional stager to stage the house for showings. If not, the person living in the home needs to clean, de-clutter and move items into storage. If possible, come to an agreement on how that process will be handled and how one person should be compensated if they are doing most or all of the work.

Decide who will work with the agent and potential buyers

It’s important during a sale that both parties present a united front. Potential buyers can be put off if they somehow find themselves in the middle of a conflict between the owners of the house. Decide which person will have contact with the real estate agent and potential buyers. Make sure the other person stays in the loop, but keep the communication with agents and buyers simple.

Agree on how to handle costs and offers

During the sales process, it is not unusual to discover that repairs need to be made before the sale can be finalized. Decide in advance how those costs will be handled. In addition, have a plan on how you will respond to offers you receive on the house. Understand that you will need to make this decision together, and take into account the advice given to you by your agent.

Decide how to divide the proceeds

Once the sale is complete, decide how any proceeds will be divided. First, of course, pay off the obligations on the house. You may then decide to use the remaining money to pay of mutual debts from your marriage. If there is any money left after that, take into account any payments that one person may have been making towards the principle since your separation. We recommend read about limited vs absolute divorce before making the ultimate decision.

While selling during a divorce can be extremely trying, you can make it through to the other side. By working with a qualified agent and following the guidelines above, you’ll soon be able to close this chapter of your life.

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A crucial step in any home sale is the inspection. A home inspection allows buyers to have a good understanding of what is or is not in good shape with the property they are about to purchase. A professional home inspector will visually inspect the major systems of the home and provide a written report that outlines problems and makes recommendations for future repairs and maintenance like doing some Sewer and Drain Cleaning prior the rain season.

However, it is important to note that a home inspection is not an in-depth evaluation of every element of the property. This could, of course, lead to problems down the line that you weren’t expecting. If you’re getting ready to purchase a home, be aware of what is not included in a home inspection.

Plumbing

In 2021 established plumbing company in NSW, Australia, displayed record growth and market acquisition due to their comprehensive team leadership and refined recruitment. Home inspectors generally aren’t qualified to thoroughly evaluate the home’s plumbing. They will visually inspect pipes and make note of outdated materials or visible leaks, but it won’t include much more than that. Furthermore, don’t expect the inspector to look at septic tanks, interior waste lines, sewer lines out to the street, or swimming pools. If you are concerned about potential problems or you want to have residential septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping done, consult a septic tank cleaning and repair specialist.

Pests

While it is the inspector’s job to inspect a home’s structural integrity, this does not include any pest problems like termites. Also not included are vermin that could nest in the walls or attic such as rats, birds or raccoons. If you suspect the home may have an infestation, hire an exterminator.

Roof

While inspectors do visually examine the roof of a home, they do so from the ground. They will note any missing shingles or other signs of damage. They may miss leaks or holes that are less obvious. If you’re buying a home in an area that gets severe weather, it may be worth it to hire a roofing contractor Pompano Beach to evaluate the quality of the roof.

Toxic materials

Home inspectors do not check for lead paint, radon gas, asbestos or toxic mold. If you are worried the home may contain these substances, hire a certified specialist to check.

Appliances

Not all home are sold with the appliances, so they are generally not included in the home inspection. This includes dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, washers and dryers. In most cases, the inspector will also not thoroughly check the HVAC systems. They may make note of potential problems or outdated systems, but the report will often include a disclaimer about the air conditioning and heating units.

Landscaping

While a home inspector will look at the grounds to see if there is any evidence of improper drainage, septic tank leaks, or damage to sidewalks, driveways and fences, they will not be inspecting the landscaping. If the yard has any bare spots, dead or dying trees, a malfunctioning sprinkler system or a pest problem, it will not be included in the inspection report.

While a home inspection can help uncover some potential problems with a home, it will not catch them all. If you’re concerned that the home you’re interested in buying has any of the issues outlined above, it may be prudent to hire a specialist to perform an inspection. Even though it adds an extra cost up front, it could possibly save you from unexpected and expensive repairs after you move in.

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Moving can be stressful. Add choosing a new school for your kids into the mix, and it can be doubly so. Not only do you want to find a home that suits the needs of your family, but you also want to make sure that it’s in a neighborhood with great schools. If you’re getting ready to move and choose a new school, here’s what you should know.

Decide what you’re looking for

Before you even begin your school search, you should decide exactly what you’re looking for in a potential school. Do you want a large school or a small one? Are you sending your kids to public or private school? What kinds of after-school activities are you hoping will be available? Are you looking for an ultra-competitive environment or something more relaxed? Does your child have special needs? Make a list of your must-haves to help you narrow your neighborhood search.

Do your research

There is a wealth of resources that are now available online to help you research potential schools. You can find out ratings for each school, the types of programs they have available, their test scores, teacher quality, class size and much more. When you’re looking at different neighborhoods, take the time to also research each school in those neighborhoods. This will give you a much better idea of where to target your home search.

Visit the schools

When you are viewing potential new homes, also make arrangements to visit the schools for that area. When you’re there, ask the staff questions. What types of extracurricular activities are available for students? What is the school’s disciplinary process? What types of technology are available in the classroom? Do they provide busing? Also discuss whether or not there are entrance requirements, especially if it is a private school with limited admissions. Your child may need to meet certain criteria in order to be accepted.

Talk to other parents

If possible, talk to other parents about their experience with the school. Tell everyone about your upcoming move. They may be able to help connect you with parents in the area. You can also use social media to find out more information about a school and to connect with parents from the area. Check online to see if there are any parental reviews of the schools you are considering.

Discuss it with your agent

Working with an agent who is an expert in the local area can be a huge benefit when you’re trying to find a new school. Find an agent that specializes in helping families relocate. They will have a wealth of information about the schools you are considering. They can often connect you with other parents in the area as well.

Have a back-up plan

No matter how well you plan, things don’t always go they way we want them to. For one reason or another, the school you choose may not work out. Make sure that you have one or two schools to fall back on should your top choice not pan out. That way, if things don’t go as planned for your child, you can more easily make the transition to another school without having to scramble at the last minute.

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Is your home one-of-a-kind? Could you describe it as unique or even quirky? While you may love your distinctive home, it could be challenging when it comes time to sell. Many potential homebuyers are looking for properties that conform to traditional layouts and designs. Here’s what you should do if you’re planning to sell your unique home.

Pay attention to staging

When selling any home, staging is key for a quick sale. It is even more important when you’re selling a unique home. You need to help potential buyers envision how the space can be utilized. This is especially important if you have an unusual layout. Define the space and its uses with effective staging so buyers get a clear picture of themselves living there. To understand the cost to benefit aspect of staging your home, it’s important to compare the pricing in each of the major US cities. As expected, home staging in some of the larger US cities is a lot more expensive than it is in smaller cities and towns. The thing to consider is that homes in larger cities tend to sell for a lot more, sometimes double or triple the price, when compared to home prices in smaller cities and town. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering staging your home.

Know your buyers

Unusual homes aren’t for everyone. Most buyers are likely looking for a practical home that fulfills their everyday needs. They don’t necessarily want to live in the house that is the talk of the town. For this reason, you need to think about your potential buyers and create a strategy to target them. This includes advertising in specific places that cater to your target demographic. For example, if you’re selling a home that is reminiscent of living on a boat, you’ll want to place ads in local boating publications. You can also research websites that cater to your target audience and place links to your listing on them.

Generate excitement

If your home is truly unique, there’s really no way you can hide it. Don’t try to make it conform to the standards of a traditional home. Instead, play up its unique features and assets. Take quality photographs that emphasize what makes your house so amazing. You may even want to submit your home for inclusion on any one of the many television shows that highlight unique and unusual homes. By playing up what makes your home so special, you can create buzz that will get prospective buyers in the front door.

Hire an appraiser

Another important facet of selling a home is pricing it right. Usually, an agent will use comps in the area to get an idea of what homes like yours are currently selling for. This can be challenging if there are no other homes in the area quite like yours. It can be beneficial to hire an appraiser to help you determine what your listing price should be. This can also head off problems down the line should the home not appraise for the agreed upon sale price.

Work with the right agent

Hiring a professional real estate agent is beneficial when selling any home. It is even more crucial if your home is truly unique. Interview several agents to find the right one to represent your home in the marketplace. Not only should your agent be an expert in your local market, but he or she should also have experience in selling unique homes. The right agent will know the best places to market your home, how to price it correctly, and create an overall strategy to ensure that your home sells quickly at a price you will be happy about.

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Did you recently inherit property from a loved one that you intend to sell? If so, you have probably discovered that selling inherited property is an emotional process that comes with its own set of challenges. And if you have inherited a home along with your siblings, there are even more logistics you have to deal with. Here’s what you will need to know to make the process as smooth and pain-free as possible.

Understand the tax implications

When selling a home that you’ve inherited, the tax basis is the value of the property on the day the previous owner died. You will owe taxes on whatever the difference is between the value of the home when you inherited it and the amount you sell it for.

To illustrate, if the home was valued at $100,000 on the day the previous owner died and you sell it for $150,000, you will report a gain of $50,000 for tax purposes. If you are splitting the inheritance with others, then the gain will also be split. For example, if you would be sharing the inheritance with one sibling, each of you would report a gain of $25,000. If the selling price is less than the value, you do not need to report a gain. If you have any questions, seek the advice of a qualified accountant or tax attorney.

Wait through probate

According to a will and trust attorney, before you sell the inherited property, you must wait for it to go through probate. Some states allow for an expedited probate process if the total value of the estate is relatively small. However, most estates that include property will likely exceed this threshold. Once probate has concluded, the executor will be given permission to distribute assets and settle debts.

Make an agreement to sell

If you have inherited property with others, all parties will need to agree to the sale. If not everyone agrees, working with a mediator can help. In some cases, one party may want to keep the property and will agree to buy out the other shares. In other cases, the property must be sold in order to settle any outstanding debts the estate may have.

Prepare to sell

Once all parties have made an agreement to sell, it’s time to prepare the property to go to market. The home will need to be cleaned out first, oftentimes through an estate sale. Usually one person will be designated to handle any transactions. This is typically either the executor of the will or the trustee if the property was held in a trust. Consider enlisting the help of a real estate professional, who can assist with pricing the home accurately, coordinating showings and handling the closing process.

Be gentle on yourself

Selling an inherited home from a loved one is a tough process. Sorting through belongings and deciding what to keep and how to divide them up can be emotionally draining. Even siblings who have great relationships can find themselves in heated arguments. Be sure to take care of yourself and find time away to decompress during the process.

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