How I Sold Pam’s Home in 10 Days Above Asking

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Case Study: How I Sold Pam’s Home in 10 Days Above Asking

Selling a home in today’s competitive market requires more than just a “For Sale” sign in the yard. It requires strategy, precision, and the right agent who knows how to position the home for success. That’s exactly how I was able to sell Pam’s home in just 10 days—and not just at asking price, but above it. In this case study, I’ll walk you through the steps I took to make Pam’s sale a success and share three powerful listing strategies that can help you achieve similar results.

Whether you’re considering selling your home or just want to learn more about how to maximize your property’s value, this article will show you why having the right real estate agent on your side is critical to selling your home fast and for top dollar.

Understanding Pam’s Situation

When Pam approached me to sell her home, she had one clear goal in mind: to sell quickly and at a price that reflected the true value of her property. Pam’s home was located in a desirable neighborhood in Livingston County, but like many sellers, she was concerned about whether she could get top dollar, especially within her desired timeline.

As soon as I met with Pam, I knew her home had the potential to generate a lot of interest. However, to ensure we could sell above asking price in such a short timeframe, I needed to implement a strategic approach that would attract the right buyers and create competition. Let me take you through the three key listing strategies I used to make that happen.

1. Expert Pricing Strategy: The Power of Pricing to Create Demand

The first step to a successful sale is pricing the home correctly. While many sellers want to price their home high with the hope of negotiating down, I took a different approach with Pam’s home. By carefully analyzing comparable sales in the area, I determined a competitive listing price that would attract a large pool of interested buyers.

Instead of overpricing the property and risking it sitting on the market for too long, we set a price that generated immediate attention. This strategy worked to create urgency among buyers who didn’t want to miss out on a great opportunity. By pricing strategically, we received multiple offers within days of listing the home.

How This Helps You: The right pricing strategy is critical in generating demand. I use a data-driven approach to assess market trends and comparable sales in your area to ensure your home is priced competitively. This doesn’t mean underpricing your home, but rather positioning it in a way that attracts the maximum number of buyers, which can lead to multiple offers and drive the price up.

2. High-Impact Marketing: Getting Maximum Exposure

Once we had the pricing set, the next step was to get Pam’s home in front of as many qualified buyers as possible. I implemented a high-impact marketing strategy that included professional photography, virtual tours, and a compelling online presence that made Pam’s home stand out.

I didn’t rely on just one or two marketing channels. Instead, I created a comprehensive campaign that included targeted digital ads, social media promotion, and email marketing to my extensive network of interested buyers. Additionally, I leveraged my local contacts to spread the word quickly, ensuring that Pam’s home reached potential buyers who were actively looking for properties in the area.

This multi-faceted marketing approach created a buzz around the home, leading to a high volume of showings in the first few days. The more eyes we had on the property, the more competitive the offers became.

How This Helps You: Marketing is key to selling a home for top dollar. I create a customized marketing plan for each listing that includes professional staging, photography, virtual tours, and a robust online and offline presence. With my marketing expertise, your home will receive maximum exposure to qualified buyers who are ready to make offers.

3. Creating Buyer Competition: Using Multiple Offers to Drive the Price Up

The final piece of the puzzle for Pam’s home was creating a sense of competition among the buyers. Thanks to the expert pricing strategy and the strong marketing campaign, we quickly had multiple offers on the table. But instead of rushing to accept the first offer, I advised Pam to hold off for a short period to allow more offers to come in.

This strategy worked perfectly. As more buyers expressed interest, they began competing with each other, submitting higher and higher offers to secure the home. By the end of the 10-day period, Pam had several offers well above the asking price, giving her the power to choose the best one based on both price and favorable terms.

How This Helps You: When you receive multiple offers, it’s crucial to have an experienced negotiator on your side. I understand how to create competition among buyers to drive up the price and secure the best possible offer. By strategically managing the offer process, I’ll help you get the maximum return on your investment.

The Results: Pam’s Home Sold for Over Asking in 10 Days

Thanks to these three strategies, Pam’s home sold in just 10 days for significantly more than the asking price. Not only did we achieve her goal of selling quickly, but we also exceeded her expectations by securing an above-market offer that provided her with more financial flexibility for her next move.

Pam was thrilled with the outcome, and I’m proud to have been part of her home-selling journey. This case study is just one example of how my tailored approach and proven strategies can help homeowners like you achieve outstanding results.

Why You Should Choose Me as Your Listing Agent

There are plenty of real estate agents to choose from, but not all agents can deliver the results you deserve. Here’s why I’m the best choice for selling your home:

  • Local Market Expertise: With years of experience in the Livingston County real estate market, I have an in-depth understanding of local trends, buyer preferences, and the factors that drive home prices.
  • Proven Track Record: I have a proven history of selling homes quickly and for top dollar. My success with Pam’s home is just one example of how I can help you achieve your real estate goals.
  • Comprehensive Marketing: I use the latest marketing strategies to ensure your home gets maximum exposure, both online and offline. From professional photography to targeted digital ads, I’ll make sure your home stands out in the market.
  • Expert Negotiation: I know how to create competition among buyers and negotiate the best possible terms for your sale. With my help, you’ll have the advantage in every aspect of the negotiation process.
  • Personalized Service: I take the time to understand your unique needs and tailor my approach to achieve the best outcome for your situation. You’ll receive hands-on guidance and support every step of the way.

If you’re thinking about selling your home and want to achieve results like Pam, I’m here to help. Let’s discuss how I can use my expertise and strategies to sell your home quickly and for more than you thought possible.

Let’s Get Started – Contact Me Today

Ready to sell your home? Contact me today for a no-obligation consultation. Together, we’ll create a plan to list your home and get it sold for top dollar in no time. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work with a dedicated, results-driven real estate agent who can deliver outstanding results for you.

 

Is Fall A Good Time To Sell Your Home In Michigan?

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Why Fall is a Good Time to Sell Your Home in Livingston County, Michigan

Fall presents a unique opportunity for homeowners in Livingston County to sell their homes. With cooler temperatures, picturesque landscapes, and motivated buyers, this season can offer advantages that aren’t as prevalent during the busy summer market. Below is a comprehensive look at why autumn might be the ideal time to list your home in this vibrant Michigan area.

1. Motivated Buyers Are on the Market

Unlike the summer months, where casual browsers might dominate, fall tends to bring out serious buyers who are intent on closing a deal before winter. Many prospective homeowners are looking to move before the holidays, creating a market with less time wasted on tire kickers and more genuine interest in purchasing.

2. Reduced Competition Among Listings

With fewer homes listed in fall compared to spring or summer, your property has a higher chance of standing out. Many homeowners wait until the warmer months to sell, assuming that it’s the best time, but listing in autumn can mean less competition. With a smaller inventory of available homes in Livingston County, your property can capture more attention, leading to faster sales.

3. Increased Curb Appeal with Fall Foliage

Livingston County is renowned for its beautiful fall scenery, and the changing leaves can be a significant selling point. Homes surrounded by stunning red, orange, and yellow foliage can appear more inviting and picturesque. Adding seasonal decorations like pumpkins or fall wreaths can further enhance your home’s appeal. Highlighting your property’s landscaping and outdoor features during this season can create a lasting first impression for buyers.

4. Attract Buyers Looking for Year-End Tax Benefits

The approach of year-end means that some buyers may be motivated to close a deal for tax reasons. Buying a home before the end of the year can lead to deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and other fees, providing substantial tax benefits. These buyers are likely to be more serious and ready to make a deal quickly.

5. Showcase Your Home’s Warmth and Comfort

With cooler temperatures setting in, fall is the perfect time to showcase your home’s coziness. Light a fire in the fireplace during open houses, use warm lighting, and add autumnal scents like cinnamon or apple to create a welcoming atmosphere. Buyers may be more inclined to envision themselves living in a home that feels comfortable and inviting, especially as the colder months approach.

6. Favorable Mortgage Rates

Fall often brings favorable mortgage rates as lenders aim to close out the year strongly. Lower interest rates can encourage more potential buyers to enter the market, as they may qualify for higher loan amounts or better terms. This increased buying power can be beneficial to sellers in Livingston County who want to attract a larger pool of buyers.

7. Emphasize the Community’s Fall Activities

Livingston County has many local events and attractions during the fall season, such as apple orchards, cider mills, and outdoor festivals. Highlighting the charm and liveliness of the area during this time can make your home even more appealing to potential buyers. Providing information about these activities in your marketing materials can help paint a picture of an active and family-friendly community.

Conclusion

Fall offers several strategic advantages for selling a home in Livingston County. With motivated buyers, reduced competition, and the allure of autumnal scenery, listing your home during this time can yield favorable results. If you’re considering selling, now may be the perfect moment to make your move.

 

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How to Prepare Your Home for Winter: A Guide for Livingston County Homes

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How to Prepare Your Home for Winter: A Guide for Livingston County Homes

As winter approaches in Michigan, homeowners in Livingston County face unique challenges that come with the colder months. Preparing your home for winter not only ensures comfort but also helps protect your property and save on energy costs. This comprehensive guide covers all the necessary steps to winterize your home, with a focus on keeping Livingston County homes safe and efficient.

1. Inspect and Service Your Heating System

The heating system is the heart of your home during winter. Before the cold weather sets in, make sure your furnace, boiler, or heat pump is in optimal condition. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Schedule a Professional Inspection: Hire a certified HVAC technician to check your heating system for any issues. They’ll inspect the components, clean the burners, and ensure everything is running efficiently.
  • Replace or Clean Air Filters: Dirty filters can restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder than necessary. Replacing or cleaning filters every one to three months can improve efficiency.
  • Test Your Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is working properly and consider upgrading to a programmable one. A programmable thermostat allows you to set temperatures for different times of the day, which can save on energy costs.

Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and ensure your home stays warm throughout the season.

2. Seal Windows and Doors to Prevent Drafts

Heat loss through windows and doors is one of the main contributors to higher energy bills. Properly sealing these areas can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Here’s how to do it:

  • Use Weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping around the edges of windows and doors to seal any gaps. This is an easy DIY task that can have a big impact.
  • Caulk Cracks and Gaps: Check for cracks or gaps around window and door frames and use caulk to seal them. This can prevent cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping.
  • Install Window Insulation Kits: Adding a window insulation film to your windows creates an extra barrier against the cold, which can help to retain heat inside.

For older Livingston County homes, upgrading to energy-efficient windows might be a worthwhile investment for long-term savings.

3. Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Frozen pipes can lead to serious water damage if they burst. Protect your home by insulating pipes, especially those located in unheated areas such as garages, basements, or crawl spaces.

  • Wrap Pipes with Insulation Foam: Use foam sleeves or pipe insulation to cover exposed pipes. This can help maintain the temperature of the pipes and prevent them from freezing.
  • Seal Gaps Around Pipes: Check for holes or gaps where pipes enter the house and seal them with spray foam or caulk.
  • Let Faucets Drip During Extremely Cold Weather: Allowing a small trickle of water to run through the pipes can help prevent them from freezing, as the flow of water keeps pressure down.

4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams during winter. Ensuring your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris will help keep your roof and foundation protected.

  • Remove Leaves and Debris: Clean out any leaves, sticks, or other debris from the gutters to allow water to flow freely.
  • Inspect for Damage: Check the gutters for any damage, such as cracks or loose fittings, and make necessary repairs.
  • Install Gutter Guards: Gutter guards can help keep debris out, reducing the amount of cleaning needed during the winter.

5. Reverse Ceiling Fans to Improve Heat Circulation

Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer; they can also help keep your home warm in the winter. By reversing the direction of the fan blades, you can push warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room.

  • Set Your Fan to Rotate Clockwise: When the fan rotates clockwise, it pushes warm air down, which can help maintain a consistent room temperature.
  • Run the Fan at a Low Speed: Keep the fan on a low setting to gently circulate the warm air without creating a draft.
  • Use in Common Areas: Ceiling fans are most effective in rooms with high ceilings or larger living spaces where heat tends to accumulate at the top.

6. Check and Maintain the Roof

Your roof is one of the first lines of defense against winter weather. Inspecting and maintaining it can prevent costly repairs and protect your home.

  • Inspect for Loose Shingles or Damage: Look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles that could lead to leaks. Make any necessary repairs before the snow arrives.
  • Clear Away Debris: Remove any branches, leaves, or other debris that could accumulate on the roof. This helps prevent water from pooling and freezing, which can cause ice dams.
  • Install a Roof Heating Cable (Optional): If your home is prone to ice dams, a roof heating cable can help melt snow and prevent ice buildup along the edges of your roof.

7. Prepare Your Lawn and Garden

While it might not seem like an indoor task, taking care of your outdoor space is an important part of winter preparation.

  • Rake and Remove Fallen Leaves: Clearing leaves from your yard can prevent mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to plants and grass.
  • Drain and Store Garden Hoses: Disconnect hoses and drain any remaining water to prevent freezing. Store them in a shed or garage.
  • Winterize Sprinkler Systems: If you have a sprinkler system, make sure to blow out any excess water to prevent freezing and damage.

8. Inspect Chimneys and Fireplaces

For homes with fireplaces, the chimney and flue need to be checked before the first use of the season.

  • Schedule a Professional Chimney Inspection: A professional can clean the chimney and check for any blockages or structural issues.
  • Test the Fireplace: Make sure the damper opens and closes properly, and that the fireplace is drawing smoke upward.
  • Stock Up on Firewood (if applicable): If you have a wood-burning fireplace, ensure you have plenty of dry firewood for the winter.

9. Stock Emergency Supplies

Winter storms in Livingston County can sometimes lead to power outages or blocked roads, so it’s important to have emergency supplies on hand.

  • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, and a first-aid kit.
  • Have a Backup Heat Source: Consider a generator or space heater in case of power loss.
  • Stock Up on Rock Salt or Sand: These can be used to melt ice on walkways and driveways.

Conclusion

Preparing your Livingston County home for winter is essential for maintaining comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. By taking proactive steps like inspecting your heating system, sealing windows, insulating pipes, and maintaining the roof, you can ensure your home is ready to handle whatever winter throws its way. Don’t forget to stock up on emergency supplies and perform regular maintenance to keep your home warm and protected throughout the season.

Taking the time to winterize your home not only saves money but also helps protect your investment for years to come. For residents of Livingston County, these steps are particularly crucial, as Michigan winters can be tough. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy a well-prepared winter season!

 

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100 Tips To Sell Your Home Faster

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100 Tips To Sell Your Home Faster

Home buyers look at more than the outside design of a home. They respond to how the home makes them feel on the inside. The want the home to have “emotional appeal. Here are 100 ways to improve the chances of selling your home: some ideas involve investment and time, some are quick fixes to make your home stand out and increase the chances of selling and decrease the time it spends FOR SALE. CURB APPEAL IS REALLY IMPORTANT. YOU WANT BUYERS TO GET A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION FROM THE START. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING ONES. GIVE THE HOUSE A BATH. If the outside of the house is dirty, rent a gas-powered pressure washer ($50) and work top to bottom and rinse away the years. REPAINT THE HOUSE. If the house isn’t sparkling and looks a little tired, repaint. If you are not up to repainting the entire home, maybe touch up the window frames and the doors. You would be surprised how much of a difference this makes. CLEAN THE WINDOWS. Especially in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas, salt loves to cling to everything and windows need to be cleaned more often. REPLACE SIDING. If repainting the home won’t quite fix the exterior, replace the siding. A home that looks great, sells faster and for a better price. LAY A STONE WALKWAY. A stone walkway looks better when compared to a concrete walkway. It should saunter all the way to the newly painted front door. CHECK THE GUTTERS AND THE ROOF. Missing shingles, sagging gutters / lose downspouts make a home look unkempt. The flow can also harm the foundation of the home and be a costly…..costly expense. PUT IN WINDOW BOXES. Any type of flower is a great and very inexpensive way to spruce up a home. WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWN, THINK PUTTING GREEN. A quick greening fertilizer (ammonium nitrate, urea or ammonium sulfate) with adequate watering will really make the grass look nice in 2 – 3 weeks. Also, trim the edges and remove any weeds. The results make a difference in the overall appeal of the home. ADD WIINDOW PANES. You don’t need to replace your existing windows, you can simply snap on plastic or wooden mullions to give your home a friendly, inviting appearance. RESEAL THE DRIVEWAY. If the driveway needs a touch-up, pick up some asphalt sealant from the local building supply store. This is quick and easy and will leave the driveway looking like a shinny new penny. INSTALL SHUTTERS. If the home seems a little plain and could use something more, you can add shutters in a shade or two lighter or darker. It’s nice to coordinate the color scheme to match doors and window panes. Also, try and match the style with that of the home as much as possible. CONSIDER CHANGING THE FRONT DOOR. If the front door is a plain, flat wooden door, consider changing to a raised-panel hardwood door. You can find these in a variety of styles and price ranges – probably starting at around $400. FIND A PLACE FOR YOUR APPAREL. Too many overcoats, umbrellas, bags etc.. can leave the entryway feeling cluttered and smaller. The entryway should feel wide and welcoming. DRESS UP THE ENTRYWAY. The entryway or foyer can stick out with a dressy overhead light or wall scones. Also, you can dress up the walls with a spot-lit painting, framed mirrors, flowers on a wall table or any visually stimulating decor. PAINT ROOMS IN NUETRAL COLORS. The most common color, as you would expect, is white as it makes spaces seem larger. Small rooms, such as bathrooms and closets and entryways will feel more spacious when painted white. RENT A STORAGE UNIT FOR CLUTTER. Any bulky furniture that is causing rooms to seem cluttered can be stored out of the way to increase the feel of space in the home. CLEAN THE FLOORS. The floors should be spotless. Clean floors make the entire home seem and feel cleaner. SELL OFF THINGS YOU DON’T WANT OR NEED. Holding a yardsale to get rid of clutter is a good way to rid your home of unwanted clutter and the extra money can be used to do some things around the house to help sell it faster. KEEP THE WALLS SIMPLE BUT ELEGANT. Too many small pictures everywhere make a room feel crowded. Try one large picture or group smaller pictures in one space. REMOVE DINING TABLE LEAF. If your dining room table has a leaf, take it out and remove extra chairs to expand the space of the room. USE MIRROR STRATEGY. If mirrors are placed to reflect something beautiful, especially in small rooms, it expands the room. A good idea is to use mirrored backs on shelves with glassware or china. ADD HIGHER WATTAGE LIGHTING. The brighter the rooms, the larger they appear. ELIMINATE ODORS. Whether they are kitchen or pet odors, they are sure to offend visitors. Also, avoid potpourris and sweet smelling sprays. PUT A HOLE IN YOUR ROOF. I mean a skylight. Adding a skylight to a small kitchen, hallway or bath will add light, expand the room and bring a little something extra. ***TIPS FOR THE KITCHEN – The kitchen is the most used room in the entire home. Make is stand out as a focal point by scouring it and adding as much natural light as possible. THE KITCHEN SHOULD HAVE NO SIGNS OF PETS. The kitchen should be free of litter boxes, toys and other signs of pets. TONE DOWN ELEMENTS. You may not want to invest in hard to change elements like tile or flooring. Tone down wall color to white to simplify the look of the kitchen. REFINISH ENAMEL-COATED APPLIANCES. Use auto body polish after removing stains with undiluted bleach and a stiff brush and hiding any nicks with touch-up enamel. HAVE APPLIANCES REFINISHED. Avacado or coppertone appliances can be refinished too. Look in the phone book or online under ceramic. Many of the companies that refinish tile also refinish appliances. Approximately $200 per appliance. ADD WORK AREA LIGHTHING. It’s a great idea to add special lighthing to work surfaces along with bright lighting in the kitchen. ALLOW BRIGHT LIGHT INSIDE. If you have dark curtains, consider removing them altogether. White lace is a good idea, if anything. ***BATHROOM TIPS – A basic rule of thumb for bathrooms is C.L.E.A.N. make sure the bathrooms are clean from the floor to the ceiling. A musty smelling bathroom can, literally, kill a sale. CLEAN THE TILE AND GROUT. A combination of vinegar and water or a strong anti mildew chemical, like Tilex, is a good way to clean coupled with a stiff brush. REPAIR CRACKED AND CHIPPED TILE. A chipped or cracked highly-visible tile can ruin the entire look of the bathroom. If you have matching tile, use a screwdriver or knife to remove the bad tile and all of the old mortar to make the surface receptive to the new tile. After cleaning the spot, replace with a new tile. RECAULK JOINTS. The joints between the sink and bath and shower has sealant. If this sealant needs replacing, this is a great way to make the bathroom sparkle like new. NUETRALIZE FAULTY COLORS. If you have smurfs or hobbits painted on the wall of pink tiles, consider removing these out-of-date colors and paints. BUY A NEW WHITE SHOWER CURTAIN. The patterned and colored curtains make the room appear smaller. POLISH CHROME FIXTURES AND FAUCETS. Use vinegar and water (avoid abrasives) and wipe clean immediately for a shiny new look. REMOVE STAINS FROM SINKS. Mix a paste of cream of tartar with hydrogen peroxide for basic stains. For the more difficult stains, line the sink with paper towels and saturate with household bleach. Let sit for half an hour and wipe clean. REPLACE A BADLY CHIPPED ENAMEL SINK AND/OR HAVE THEM REFINISHED. This a job that a pro can do on-site. A sink usually runs anywhere from $100 – $250 and more for the tub. FIX LEAKY FAUCETS. A leaky faucet suggests neglect to home buyers coming through to view your home on the market. INSTALL UPGRADED TOWEL RAILS, FAUCETS AND OTHER FIXTURES. This is a sure way to accent your home and shows very well to prospective buyers. STRAIGHTEN CLUTTER AND CLEAR AWAY EXCESSIVE STUFF. Anything not necessary for basic functionality, store out of eye sight. SECURE WALLPAPER. Take and adhesive, like a basic sealer found at any local hardware store and secure loose or curling wall coverings. GIVE BOOKS AND MAGAZINES A GOOD HOME. A basket is a great place to keep everything tidy and organized. USE SCENTED CANDLES AND POTPOURRI. Avoid heavy smells, but pleasant light-scented aromas wafting through the air are great. REPLACE THE TOILET SEAT. Use plain white of course. INSTALL FANS. If the ventilation is not very good, consider placing a fan to help in circulation. TIPS FOR THE LIVING ROOM – Try and think of ways to make the living room appear usable and avoid too much emphasis on furniture. IF POSSIBLE, HIDE BAD VIEWS. If there is a vista that is less than appealing, try and distract the view. A good way is a large plant that commands attention. Avoid covering with curtains or solids. CONSIDER NEW WINDOW TREATMENTS. New window treatments will revive the entire room and are a great idea to show TLC has been taken of the home. IF YOU HAVE AN OLD COUCH OR PIECE OF FURNITURE, COVER IT. A slip cover is a great way to hide old worn furniture. STORE YOUR COLLECTIONS. There is nothing wrong with being passionate about certain things in life, we all are. But consider storing them while conducting showings as they can be cluttery and may not be appealing for the potential buyer. ADD UPGRADES IN DETAILS. Crown moulding, upgraded baseboards, rails and other things of this nature will make any room appear much nicer. GED RID OF OLDER PANELING. With older walls, consider removing paneling and use painting techniques to give the walls a nice new feel. TEND TO WALL-TO-WALL CARPET. Smooth away imperfections in this feature. GET RID OF SQUEAKY FLOORS. A simple solution is to add granite powder in to the cracks in the part of the noisy floor. Work the powder in to the crevices and joints until the squeaking stops. Repeat if necessary. REFINISH THE FLOOR. Strip the wax and repolish the floors. ESTABLISH A FOCAL POINT. A fireplace is a natural; arrange furniture around this for a great look. Pianos are great as are walls of books. TIPS FOR THE DINING ROOM AREA – The dining room is one of the least used rooms in a home. Here are some tips to make your dining room feel inviting and used. Have the table refinished if it’s not sparkling. The table is the focal point of the entire room. Take the time to make it stand out. DRESS UP THE TABLE. Purchase new settings or a new runner for the table to accent its charm. TAKE NOTICE OF WINDOW DECOR. If the window is bare, add a swag to increase visual interest. ADD A CENTERPIECE. Perhaps a soup tureen or bowl of fresh fruit would help. MAKE THE ROOM LOOK LIVED IN. Light the ends of the candles to keep them form looking like props. MAKE YOUR CHANDELIER COUNT. Clean and dust this as it highlights the entire room. MAKE THE BEDROOMS APPEAR SOFT. While homeowners want the kitchens and bathrooms to be extra clean, the bedrooms are viewed differently. The bedrooms should appear lived in and soft. PURCHASE NEW BED LINENS. This is a low cost way to spruce up the bedroom. TRY AND CARPET FLOORS. Carpeting in the bedrooms is a great way to make people feel comfortable. The soft feel of carpet creates comfort. TONE DOWN KID’S ROOMS. It’s easier than you think to take down posters and let the viewers imagine how they plan to decorate the room. PUT AWAY KID’S TOYS. Find a neat place to store them. CLEAN OUT THE CLOSETS. Try and make the closets as neat as possible. LANDSCAPING TIPS – The wild look is no longer the in thing. Make the outside of your home inviting and neat. TRIM HEDGES AND SHRUBS. Prune dead limbs and branches too. MEND GATES AND FENCES. Fix any holes or broken latches or broken pieces to make the fence look good and well maintained. PLANT BEAUTIFUL ANNUALS. Flowers that bloom in season are a great way to spruce up the yard and give it appeal. PLANT ANEW. So many homes share this common, overgrown, leggy foundation. SPRUCE UP A PLAIN WALL OR FENCE. A climbing plant or Ivy brings life to a otherwise lifeless fence or wall. Look what it’s done for Wrigley Field. GIVE DETAILS ON POOL MAINTENENANCE. If you own a pool, buyers may worry about the cost of upkeep. Help them to better understand that it’s not bad by providing a fact / cost sheet with specifications. DESCRIBE THE GARDEN ALL YEAR LONG. If you have a seasonal garden that is not in season, let the buyers know what happens in the garden throughout the year. PLANT A TREE. Trees wont grow overnight, but for a few hundred dollars you can have a tree professionally planted and add to the landscape. GET RID OF OLD RUSTY SWING SETS. If there is an old rusty jalopy in the back yard, get rid of it. TIPS FOR THE BASEMENT AND GARAGE – When it comes to the parts of your home that are most often used, the cleaner the better. REMOVE OIL AND GREASE STAINS. A commercial degreasing liquid will help, if not alleviate stains and bring the garage back to life. STORE OLD UNUSED THINGS OFF OF THE FLOOR. If you don’t have enough shelf space, store things in the attic or a temporary storage unit. CLEAN THE BASEMENT THOROUGHLY. A clean, well-kempt basement is an appealing room, use it to your advantage. IF YOUR HOME HAS A FURNACE, CLEAN IT TOO. Wipe the furnace down. It may never look new again, but NEWER, is better. MAKE SURE YOUR BASEMENT IS NOT SICK. Check for asbestos and other harmful things before having people come to view your home.

Sellers Guide

Last updated on: Published by: John Kinnunen 0

A Seller’s Guide

As buyers race against the clock of rising mortgage rates, sellers who price their homes in line with today’s market and stick to their plans will likely see their expectations met. – realtor.com

Things to Consider When Selling for Top Dollar

  1. How’s the market.
  2. Home prices are increasing.
  3. 5 tips to maximize the sale of your home.
  4. Why sell now.

How’s the Market? 2022

Let’s take a look at what’s happening in the housing market across the nation. We are seeing that buyer demand is currently higher and the supply of homes in the market has been on a steady decrease, with the inventory at all-time lows. So you’ve got more buyers wanting to purchase a home right now and fewer homes available. I’ve noticed this also locally. It’s happening right here in our current area. Homes priced right are experiencing a massive decrease in the number of days on market and we’re seeing fewer homes on the market.

 Since the pandemic, we’ve been in a strong seller’s market. In a seller’s market, homes sell faster, and buyers must compete with each other in order to score a property. We’ve had a long stretch of lack of inventory for a very long time and we’ve been seeing this more across the nation.

 

So if you have any questions at all about the housing market or how it may affect you, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please, if you think of anyone that might benefit from this seller’s guide, please forward it to them! As always, we take pride in making it a great home selling and buying process- and when you do what you love people love what you do.

How Prices Are Increasing

You may be thinking of moving because you’ve heard about how you can benefit from today’s rising home prices. According to the Home Price Insights Report from CoreLogic, nationwide, home values increased by an impressive 18% over the last 12 months. This is great news if you’re ready to leverage your equity and make a move this season.

Where Will Home Values Go From Here?

The dramatic rise in home prices is a direct result of more buyers in the market (demand) than houses available for sale (supply). When demand is high and supply is low like it is right now, prices naturally rise. That means sellers have the perfect opportunity to close the best possible deal by selling this winter.

 

And while this is great news for what your house is worth today, you may be wondering what the future holds. Will prices continue to rise with time, or should you expect them to fall? To answer that question, let’s first look at a few terms you may be hearing right now:

 

  • Appreciation is an increase in the value of an asset.
  • Depreciation is a decrease in the value of an asset.
  • Deceleration is when something happens at a slower pace.

It’s important to note home prices have increased, or appreciated.

A Look at Expert Projections

The chart below shows 2022 price forecasts from various industry experts. The average of these projections indicates 5.1% home price appreciation in 2022. While this isn’t the record-breaking rate of over 18% appreciation from the past year, it is a continued increase, just at a slower pace. This means experts forecast a deceleration in prices, but not depreciation. So, home prices are projected to continue increasing next year, and that’s a direct result of low supply and high demand.

2022 Home Price Forecasts

Based on expert projections.

 Bottom Line

Selling your house now is a great way to take advantage of today’s home price appreciation. And when you buy your next home, you can rest assured, thanks to projections for ongoing appreciation, it’ll be a worthwhile investment that will help you improve your financial future.

Maximizing Your Sale

Five things that you need to make sure you do to maximize the amount of money that you’re going to make when you sell your house and how quickly you’re going to sell your home.
  1. The biggest thing is Exposure. We want to make sure that we expose your house through digital marketing to the masses. We’re actually averaging about 125,000 views on every video that we promote on social media, for each house. Not to mention, around 200 hours of video view on watching one video alone. It’s all done through a detailed digital marketing plan that’s taken so much time, effort, and energy to really learn and specialize, and we always continue to make it better and better.
  2.  Make sure you hire somebody that’s really good at negotiating. Think about this, if the average agent in Florida only sells four homes a year, are they really able to negotiate on your behalf to the best of their ability? NO! We are selling anywhere from 4 to 6 houses per month, so we really are experts at negotiating, and we learn even still, and we continue to make sure we’re updating ourselves on what’s new and how we can best serve, and negotiate on behalf of our sellers.
  3. Make sure that you are pricing your home accurately. Here’s the deal, everyone always thinks their house is worth more than it is. I even do when I sell my own houses. It’s very, very normal. But you have to make sure that you aren’t just looking at Zillow. Remember, Zillow is an algorithm. It doesn’t take into effect all the specific features of your house. It doesn’t take into effect whether or not you have a pool, live on the water, your upgrades if the condition is good or poor. All of this is really, really important, right?
  4. Have you ever heard the saying “your home never looks as good as the day you sell it.” Well, that is how you want to make your home before selling it. You want to make it as nice as possible. Repairing any issues, touching up paint, completing that “Honey-to-do List”.
  5. Location directly affects the price. Is your home on a busy street? Is your neighbor’s house an eyesore? Is your neighborhood highly desirable? While you can’t change the location of your current home or the surrounding homes. You can be realistic in the effect on price it can have. If the condition is off or if the location is off, you should make an adjustment on price just like an appraiser would.

Seller Guide

Why Sell Now

If you’re trying to decide when to sell your house, there may not be a better time than NOW. Selling this season means you can take advantage of today’s strong sellers’ market when you make a move.

Win when you sell

Your House Will Stand Out

While research from realtor.com indicates more sellers are getting ready to list their homes this winter, there are still more buyers in the market than there are homes for sale. If you sell your house now, before more houses are listed, it will get more attention from serious buyers who are eager to find a home.

 

Your House Will Likely Get Multiple Offers

When supply is low and demand is high like it is now, buyers have to compete with each other for a limited number of homes for sale. The Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows sellers are getting an average of 3.6 offers in today’s market.

 

Your House Should Sell Quickly

According to the same report from NAR, homes are selling in a median of just 18 days. As a seller, that’s great news for you if you’re looking for a quick process.

New Home Sales (in Thousands)