Selling – Page 2 – Mel Foster Co Blog

Moving Tips When You Have A Pet

Posted on August 19, 2019July 19, 2019

Preparing to move into a new home is exciting yet overwhelming. If you have a pet, he or she is likely a bit unsettled too. Consider a few useful steps you can take ahead of your move to ensure a smooth transition for the beloved animal members of your family.

Planning Ahead

Your four-legged friend can sense change is coming. Try introducing the pet carrier she will travel in weeks in advance. Place her favorite toy or blanket inside and leave it open at home so she feels comfortable in it. Take her on a short car ride in the carrier so she’s used to being inside of it.

Prepare a bag with necessities to care for your pet and be sure it’s handy and ready for moving day. Include items like food or kitty litter, grooming tools, leash, medications and favorite treats.

Making Changes

Seek out a new veterinarian before your move and have your current vet transfer the files. Set up an appointment to visit with the new vet soon after your move to establish a relationship prior to any need for urgent care. Be sure you update tags or microchip information to your new address and phone number.

Getting Them Settled

If at all possible, take your pet with you in your vehicle when you move. Avoid having your pet loose in your new home while movers are coming in and out and doors are left open for an easy escape. The first visits to the yard should include a leash, even if the yard is fenced. There is so much to sniff and explore in a new yard and you should use this time exploring with your pet to check for small holes in a fence or other hazards.

Find more tips for selling your home.

Should You Raise the Asking Price of Your Home?

Posted on May 22, 2018

There are several strategies homeowners can follow when setting their initial asking price. Often sellers try to undercut their competition, but there are times when it actually makes sense to list your home for a higher price.

You should feel comfortable listing your home for a higher price when your residence offers more than other listings in your area. Maybe your kitchen was recently renovated or you have more storage that sets your home apart from all the others. These features may justify an asking price that’s a bit higher than other homes in your area.

Finally, frequently check market conditions to see if they have changed since you initially listed your home. If you notice more buyers are entering the market and homes are selling quickly, raising your own asking price might be a good move.

Setting the right asking price is a challenge you’ll face when listing your home. That’s why it’s so important to work with a real estate agent who knows your market. Find a Mel Foster Co. agent who specializes in listings in your area.

When is the Right Time to Sell?

Posted on March 30, 2018

Some homeowners feel their current house isn’t their forever home. Here are a few signs it may be time to start your search for something new.

Your Home Doesn’t Fit Your Needs

If your family is growing, or you’ve recently become an empty nester, it’s probably time to start searching for a new home. Consider location, size, and layout when finding your next home.

It’s a Seller’s Market

You can always count on the real estate market to provide shifting trends. Fortunately right now it’s a seller’s market and most homes are selling quickly. There is currently more demand for homes than the market can meet. If you’re on the fence it might be time to strike while the irons are hot.

Your Interest Rate is High

Currently interest rates on mortgage loans are historically low. If you’re paying a mortgage with a high interest rate, it’s time to start searching for new opportunities. You can consider refinancing or maybe this is the push you need to find a different home. You’ll want to act quickly, as interest rates are expected to increase throughout 2018.

Your Mortgage is Completely Paid

If your mortgage is completely paid off when you sell your home, you can reap the financial rewards of making years of payments. If you’re looking to downsize significantly, consider a smaller home that requires less upkeep. It’ll save you time and money if the home doesn’t require constant care.

Follow these tips to start preparing to sell.

Three Ways to Make your Home Appeal to Millennials

Posted on March 13, 2018

It can be difficult to appeal to millennial homebuyers’ tastes, but recent polling has provided some insight into what they’re searching for in their first home.

Leave Room for Improvement

Many millennials are looking for a fixer-upper for their first home due to their limited budgets. HGTV has made remodeling more accessible than ever, and millennials want to renovate their houses into their own dream homes. In 2017 first-time homebuyers spent an average of $33,800 on home renovations.

Have a Separate Laundry Room

Millennials are willing to sacrifice comfort for extra square footage dedicated to a laundry room. Every year surveys taken on millennials’ buying choices point toward this trend. It’s a small change that can make your home significantly more attractive to this group of buyers.

Be Environmentally Friendly

Offer a house that includes green features. Millennials look for LED lighting, double paned windows or even solar panels. You don’t have to make a major investment, but even updated, energy-efficient appliances will attract buyers. It’s not only trendy and good for the planet, but will also save money in the long run.

Want more expert advice on how to market your home to the most buyers? Ask a Mel Foster Co. agent.

Why You Should Buy During the Winter

Posted on February 20, 2018

House hunting during the colder months may not be the most popular time of year to look, but there are several upsides to consider.

You Face Less Competition in the Winter

Approximately 50% of homes sold during the year are sold during summer months. If you purchase in the winter, you may avoid stressful bidding wars and sellers can be more eager to close quickly as they have fewer offers to choose from. They may also try to sweeten the deal with additional incentives when you buy during this time frame.

Sellers are Motivated

A motivated seller is great news for the buyer. If they’re trying to sell quickly due to relocation or other time constraints, they’ll be more flexible when it comes to price. It’s also possible the house has been on the market for an extended period of time, maybe since last summer, meaning the seller is ready to close as quickly as possible.

Interest Rates May Increase

Interest rates can have an impact on your budget when buying a house. The direction of interest rates is never certain, but many analysts think the rates will increase, maybe even multiple times in the year, due to a strong economy. Consider that the sooner you buy, the further your money will go.

Housing Prices are Rising

Housing prices on average have steadily increased the past several years. This upward trend is expected to continue according to real estate analysts.

Find a Mel Foster Co. agent in your town.

Housing Shortage Benefits Sellers

Posted on July 27, 2017

It’s currently a seller’s market, with housing supply down significantly in the local area. The shortage of inventory is the main reason why sellers are doing so well in the current market and getting higher offers for their property. Plenty of homebuyers are demanding homes, but don’t have as many options to choose from as they did in the past. Low demand simply means higher sales prices.

In the U.S. roughly 900,000 new homes are available for sale per year, but the demand is for approximately 1.5 million homes. This shortage in the supply of homes gives sellers the advantage when putting their home on the market. Combined with low interest rates, this shortage of housing supply is causing many homes to be sold quickly and competitively, often at a higher than market value price.

Housing experts speculate the shortage will continue for at least four more years even if home construction numbers increase. The supply can’t keep up with demand now that millennials are the largest home buying group in America. The large unmet demand for housing is continuing to grow with no signs of slowing down.

Curious what your home might be worth? Click here to connect with an agent and receive a competitive market analysis.

Clean It Up To Sell It Fast

Posted on June 7, 2017

The change of seasons presents the perfect time to deep clean up your home, and make it more appealing to buyers. Here are four ways a little elbow grease can add value to your home and help it appeal to more buyers.

Focus on the Floors

Deep cleaning your floors is a great way to freshen up your home. Steam cleaning carpets, applying a new finish to hardwood floors or adding new rugs all make your home look more attractive to buyers. Consider hiring professional help to get out any stains you’ve been unable to remove.

Apply Fresh Paint, Inside and Out

A new coat of paint dramatically improves the appearance of your home. Stick with neutral colors to appeal to a broader audience. Having a fresh coat of paint on the exterior will increase your curb appeal and raise interest in your home.

Replace Popcorn Ceilings

Nothing screams dated more than popcorn ceilings. It was an extremely popular practice during the 80s and 90s, but most homebuyers today don’t like it. Removing or covering popcorn ceilings is a time intensive project, but increases the value of your home.

Deep Clean the Kitchen and Bath

The kitchen and bathrooms often don’t receive deep cleanings as often as they should. Cleaning grout, replacing caulk, and scrubbing down cabinets and sinks takes time, but buyers notice. You need to show buyers your home is well cared for, and keeping heavily used areas clean is a great sign your home is properly maintained.

Sell your Home Now or in the Spring?

Posted on February 9, 2017

Many homeowners feel it’s a good idea to wait until the spring to sell their home. But once the busy holidays are over, it might be time to get your house ready to sell before competition heats up in the spring. Here are four appealing reasons you should consider listing soon.

Serious Buyers are Available

Homes are sold 365 days a year. People move into the area, expand their families or decide to downsize at all times of the year. There are always homebuyers looking for their dream home. And it might just be your listing.

Less Competition

There are typically more listings in the spring, so list your home in the winter to stand out in the crowd. By avoiding the tougher competition in the spring, your home is more likely to be visited by prospective buyers during showings, giving you more exposure than you’d receive in the spring.

Mortgage Rates are Still Low

If you’re interested in buying and selling property, you probably keep a close eye on mortgage rates. And noticed the recent uptick. Even with the recent increase, mortgage rates are still very low.

A Faster Transaction

Finally, the time required to close on a home will most likely be shorter in the winter. Inspectors have fewer appointments, attorneys have less work to do and mortgage lenders have fewer loans to process. You’ll most likely be able to have meetings on your schedule instead of theirs and get to closing faster. One of the most frustrating things as a seller is not getting answers or having to extend closing another 15 or 30 days. Winter gives you more control over the closing date and may save you from making an additional mortgage payment.

Looking for an agent to list your home this winter? Click here to find an agent or office near you.

Sell Your Home for More with a Pre-Listing Inspection

Posted on October 16, 2016

Have you thought about a pre-listing inspection?

The fastest way to derail a pending offer is by having major mechanical or structural issues revealed during the home inspection. One way to get ahead of any possible concerns raised by buyers is by conducting a professional, pre-listing inspection before putting your home on the market.

What is a Pre-Listing Inspection?

A pre-listing inspection is an evaluation of your home that reveals flaws. If your furnace needs to be replaced, or there are leaks in the roof, an inspection will highlight these issues, allowing you to pay for repairs now or set your listing price accordingly for an “as is” property. The inspection deficiencies give you more knowledge and options. Around 80% of all real estate deals are conditional upon home inspections, so be prepared by having an inspection done ahead of time.

Earn More Money by Planning Ahead

It may seem as though paying for a pre-listing inspection is an unnecessary expense, but it’s invaluable. For every $1,000 of perceived repairs, buyers will offer $3,000 to $5,000 less. This adds up quickly if the house needs multiple repairs, especially if roofing or siding needs to be replaced. You need this information sooner rather than later to set a realistic asking price for your home.

Market the House as Inspected

Buyers always want to know as much as possible about the home they’re planning on buying. Make your home stand out by marketing it as inspected and be prepared to share the inspection report with potential buyers.

Not sure who to call for an inspection of your property? Ask your Mel Foster Co. agent for a local, reliable recommendation.

Outdoor Trends to Attract Buyers.

Posted on June 22, 2016

When your home is on the market, curb appeal is extremely important to attract buyers. Mel Foster Co. has a list of five outdoor trends to increase interest in your home.

Low Maintenance Landscaping

Everyone loves seeing beautiful gardens, but not everyone loves taking care of them. Keep your bushes, flowers and trees low maintenance to attract a wider audience. If a buyer has a green thumb, they’ll most likely add their own personal favorites after moving in.

Permanent Structures

Covered patios, screened in porches and fire pits increase the value of your home. Also consider year round seating such as benches attached to your home or deck. These options may be expensive to install, but make your home more appealing.

Privacy

Everyone loves privacy and outdoor spaces are an extension of the home. Canopies, fences and tree lines provide more privacy for the yard. When selling your home, you can’t afford avoiding such an essential and attractive feature.

Lighting

Lighting in your seating area is extremely important. It adds additional function to your yard extending the amount of time it can be used. Good outdoor lighting showcases your property more during the nighttime. Adjustable lighting is even better, that way you can control the amount of light to your preferred level.

Natural Wood and Stone

Natural wood and stone are timeless additions. They are classic options that give your yard a natural look with modern comfort. Pick colors of stone and wood to compliment the other colors in your yard. Finding the right combination will help your home stand out amongst the crowd.