Showing posts with label house selling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house selling. Show all posts

Friday, January 13, 2012

Green Home


credits to http://www.gtworkshops.com
Buyers look for green home and energy efficiency appliances  
Energy efficiency and conservation of natural resources, using sustainable products that are good for our planet is our way of educating the future generation for better living. Consult your appliance dealers for tips on how to make your home more green and energy efficiency.


Energy cost efficiency


·         More insulation in the right places helps reduce energy and heating costs.
·         Check all the areas where caulking and weather stripping are applied and replace where necessary.
Low-flow water fixtures such as faucets and showers, and dual-flushing toilets reduce water consumption.
·         Unplug electronics when not in use; it reduces utility bills;
·          Potential buyers will check for these kinds of details.
·          Many electrical units use power when plugged in, even if they're not turned on form a habit of unplugging them.

 Moderate-cost green updates
·         Earth-friendly materials such as wood alternative flooring, furniture, cabinetry and other materials made locally, can reduce carbon, smog, and pollution buildup.
·         High-efficiency HVAC units can replace heating and cooling systems. Purchase ENERGY STAR appliances, which use up to 40 percent less energy than conventional appliances.
·         Install a high-efficiency water heater and keep the setting down a few degrees. Many local and state governments offer incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances. 



 Increase your home's appeal more green.

credits to http://www.constructionweekonline.in

Remember the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression. Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal. 



Exterior



* Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.

* Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.
* Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.
* Tighten and clean all door handles.
* Clean windows inside and out.
* Powerwash home's exterior.
* Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.
* Paint the front door.
* Buy a new welcome mat.
* Place potted flowers near the front door.

Interior



* Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes the room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site.

* Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
* Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.
* Shampoo carpets.
* Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks.
* Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.
* Make minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking).
* Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
* Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
* Fix or replace discolored grout.
* Replace broken tiles.
* Replace worn countertops.

Special details for showings



* Turn on all the lights.

* Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime.
* Keep pets secured outdoors.
* Buy new towels for bathrooms.
* Buy new bedding for bedrooms.
* Replace old lamps or lampshades.
* Play quiet background music.
* Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light a candelabrum.
* Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
* Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party.
* Vacate the property while it is being shown. 

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Increasing Your House's Appeal



Remember the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression. Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal. 

Exterior

* Keep the grass cut and remove all yard clutter.
* Weed and apply fresh mulch to flower beds.
* Apply fresh paint to wooden fences.
* Tighten and clean all door handles.
* Clean windows inside and out.
* Powerwash home's exterior.
* Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and functioning.
* Paint the front door.
* Buy a new welcome mat.
* Place potted flowers near the front door.
Interior

* Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes the room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site.
* Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.
* Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.
* Shampoo carpets.
* Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks.
* Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.
* Make minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking).
* Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
* Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.
* Fix or replace discolored grout.
* Replace broken tiles.
* Replace worn countertops.
Special details for showings

* Turn on all the lights.
* Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime.
* Keep pets secured outdoors.
* Buy new towels for bathrooms.
* Buy new bedding for bedrooms.
* Replace old lamps or lampshades.
* Play quiet background music.
* Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light a candelabrum.
* Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.
* Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party.
* Vacate the property while it is being shown. 






REALTOR®, CIPS
Broker Associate at Keller Williams Realty.
Authorized HUD  Agent. Short Sale and Equator Experiences,
Ca. DRE. Lic# 01838443

Thursday, January 5, 2012

How to Price to Sell and still Make a Profit




The asking price you set for your home significantly affects whether you will profit in the sale, how much you will profit and how long your home will sit on the market. Your real estate agent's knowledge of the overall market and what's selling - or not selling - will be invaluable in helping you determine the price. The objective is to find a price that the market will bear but won't leave money on the table. 



Here are some points to consider: Time. Time is not on your side when it comes to real estate. Although many factors influence the outcome, perhaps time is the biggest determinant in whether or not you see a profit and how much you profit. Studies show that the longer a house stays on the market, the less likely it is to sell for the original asking price. Therefore, if your goal is to make money, think about a price that will encourage buyer activity (read: fair market value).


Value vs. Cost. Pricing your home to sell in a timely fashion requires some objectivity. It's important that you not confuse value with cost - in other words, how much you value your home versus what buyers are willing to pay for it. Don't place too much emphasis on home improvements when calculating your price, because buyers may not share your taste. For instance, not everyone wants hardwood floors or granite countertops. 

Keep it simple. Because time is of the essence, make it easy for the buyers. Remain flexible on when your agent can schedule showings. Also, avoid putting contingencies on the sale. Though a desirable move-in date makes for a smoother transition between homes, it could cause you to lose the sale altogether. 








Porama Srijinda
, MBA.
REALTOR®, CIPS
Broker Associate at Keller Williams Realty.
Authorized HUD  Agent. Short Sale and Equator Experiences,
Ca. DRE. Lic# 01838443