If you’re selling a house, this is the place to be. Whether you’re interested in the details of staging or marketing your home, accepting a purchase offer, preparing for closing or even in relocation, we’ve got the information you need right here to get the most out of selling your home.
Selling a home and moving is expensive. No need to further add to your expenses by making costly mistakes. Here’s a handy checklist to keep you from incurring extra costs. Talk to your bank. Let a representative know you’re moving and make sure you’ve canceled any automatic payments on your old home. Besides the mortgage,… Read more »
Nearly 30 percent of home buyers today are using loans secured by the Federal Housing Administration or FHA — reason enough for home sellers to consider making their homes FHA-friendly. Here are a few tips to help understand the FHA process. Lending limits. Head to HUD.gov to see if your home qualifies for an FHA… Read more »
Eco-friendly homes are a growing segment of today’s real estate market. Tap into that environmentally conscious mindset with these tips for both buyers and sellers. Green agents. In most markets across the country, agents are earning a “green” designation from the National Association of REALTORS®. Already, close to 5,000 agents have been trained. If environmental… Read more »
When prepping a home for sale, don’t forget the exterior of the house in the rush to revamp the interior. Curb appeal is key. If potential buyers aren’t dazzled by the exterior of a home, they might enter the house with a negative impression — assuming they go inside at all. Here’s a handy outdoor… Read more »
While it rarely makes sense to store items long-term — the rent will eventually exceed the replacement value of your possessions — storage units can be a great help in short-term situations. When you need to move out of your old home a few months before the new home is ready — or you’re taking… Read more »
When you list your home for sale, do you have the right to record potential home buyers as they tour your home — just as they do on the popular television home shows? While many sellers are frustrated by the lack of honest feedback from potential buyers, it’s best to do a little research before… Read more »
When you put your home up for sale, what are your options regarding the basketball hoop, swing set or playhouse you installed for the kids? While homeowners may be especially sentimental when it comes to their children, it’s important to remember that not even a beloved swingset is worth losing a sale. Permanent or portable?… Read more »
As a seller, just because you’re under contract doesn’t mean it’s time to relax. It’s a bit like reaching the summit of a mountain. You’re only halfway to the finish line, which in this case is the closing table. The due diligence period, typically the 15 to 30 days following contract signing, is the first… Read more »
When hiring a real estate agent to help buy or sell a home, you expect the agent to work in your best interests. There are, however, a few instances when an agent’s loyalties are split. It’s important to know how agents work and how they get paid before you sign on the dotted line. A… Read more »
When selling a home, an offer to purchase is certainly welcome news, but it may be wise to hold off on any celebrations — especially if the offer has a contingency clause. What exactly does that mean? A contingency clause or addendum spells out what conditions must be met for the sales contract to become… Read more »
Whether you’re moving across the country or across the neighborhood, the process can be stressful. Make things easier on yourself by employing these tips. Organization is key. Create a moving kit containing everything needed to make your move easier. Markers for labeling boxes, packing tape, moving-related paperwork, water bottles, snacks, cleaning supplies and a first… Read more »
Moving to another city or country for your career can be a wonderful opportunity, but relocation can also put a strain on the budget. The good news is companies often offer an increased salary or other relocation benefits to help pay for increased expenses. A goods and services “differential” or “cost-of-living allowance” (COLA) or “adjustment”… Read more »
Moving for a career opportunity is an exciting prospect whether you’re moving a few hundred miles or halfway around the globe. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for a smooth transition. Documents Moving from one state to another is much simpler than relocating overseas, but both have their challenges. For a domestic move,… Read more »
After a few days on the market, your agent calls to tell you there is an offer on the home. Unfortunately, it’s too soon to celebrate. The offer is lower than what you’re asking. Much lower. Keep your feelings in check. It’s normal to be disappointed — maybe even a little insulted and angry. But… Read more »
When a home is listed for sale with a real estate company, the seller is ultimately agreeing to pay both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent and their respective companies. In some cases, the commission may be a percentage of the sales price or it may be a flat fee. When and how the… Read more »
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression, and that holds true for your house as well. So, when prepping your home to sell, don’t forget to spruce up the exterior and the surrounding yard. In other words, focus first on what potential buyers will see first. The Front Door It… Read more »
It’s not uncommon for an elderly homeowner to pass along a house to heirs. Let’s examine ways to do so, understanding that laws in each state vary and federal tax code changes. Consult an attorney before making any decisions. The most basic way. The easiest way to pass a house to children is through the… Read more »
Does your otherwise attractive home have an unsightly foundation wall that spoils its curb appeal? Here are five ways to make that ugly wall disappear. Paint it. Typically, the foundation wall has a thin veneer of concrete mortar spread over it similar to stucco, for a smoother cosmetic look. Choose a masonry paint that works… Read more »
A great open house can be just what you need to set your home apart and land an offer. For the novice seller, preparing for an open house can be intimidating. Take the guesswork out of getting your home ready with this checklist of the top 10 questions to ask before scheduling an open house…. Read more »
Whether it’s years of accumulated clutter, old appliances, or household chemicals, it has to go. Is it a DIY job? Or do you need to call in the professionals? Here’s what you need to know. Identify the different types of trash in your home. Your household waste falls into three categories and each has its… Read more »
