The post "Making Necessary Repairs Before Listing Your Home" appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
Taking care of repairs before putting your house on the market can help you attract more buyers, get top dollar for your home, and avoid lengthy and costly negotiations over needed fixes.
Roughly 43% of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate® agents say that a wow-worthy exterior makes the best first impression. It follows, then, that your home’s interior should also be “picture perfect” before listing.
If you’re getting your home ready to sell, consider first repairing anything that takes away from your property showing in the best possible light.
Wondering where to start? Repairs are easier to take on when you begin with a clean and decluttered home, so give your house a good tidying up or call a professional to do the job. Then, give away, sell, or throw away anything you don’t want or need. Next, it’s time to address repairs.
Be proactive in assessing your home for potential issues that might turn off buyers. And, fix problems before photographing your property. Remember, even if buyers don’t notice a particular cosmetic (or larger) concern, a home inspector likely will. So, ask your agent for advice on taking care of any flaws that might hinder the sale of your house.
Buyers typically don’t want to deal with repairs before or immediately upon moving in. You can attract buyers to your property by presenting a well-maintained home in move-in condition.
Why Tend to Repairs Before Listing
Below are some reasons to take care of repairs before putting your home on the market.
Increased appeal – Homes in good condition are more attractive to homebuyers, especially first-time buyers who might not want to take on costly (or lengthy) repairs before moving in. Minimizes negotiation points – Address repairs before listing to reduce the chance of buyers negotiating for price reductions or credits. Quicker sale – Move-in ready homes usually sell for more than those where the buyer needs to make repairs.
Top Overlooked Repairs That Hinder a Sale
Jessica Poulos, broker and owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Northwest Home Team says two categories of repairs could hinder a home sale.
Deferred maintenance – Letting maintenance and repairs slide on your home’s major systems and structural components will likely turn buyers away. Ensure you’re on top of roof cleaning and repair, gutter cleaning, plumbing leaks, HVAC service, significant cracks in walls and ceilings, and exterior painting. Unkept or dirty areas – Buyers notice when a home isn’t clean and tidy. It doesn’t take much effort to fix and spruce up dirty windows, flooring that needs cleaning or repair, broken or old cabinetry, and damaged kitchen and bathroom tile.
Types of Repairs to Consider Before Listing
Do a full home walk-through before listing to document the areas that might cause buyers to pause (ask your agent to help you uncover what might break a sale for a buyer). Repairs worth considering before putting your home on the market include:
Foundation cracks – Fix small and large cracks in your home’s foundation. If buyers don’t notice these repair issues, be assured that their home inspector will. Roof issues – Take care of missing or damaged shingles and tiles, torn flashing, and roof leaks. Electrical problems – Fix broken outlets, switches, and fixtures (and modernize them while you’re at it). Flooring issues – Repair cracked tiles and refinish scratched floors. Fix loose floor tiles and floorboards. HVAC problems – Ensure your air-conditioner and heater function properly (HVAC systems needing repair are especially noticeable during extremely cold or hot months). Plumbing leaks – Repair leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes as well as any areas that may have water damage due to leaks. Cosmetic concerns – Touch up paint on walls and cabinets, fix broken cabinet hardware, and repair cracks in walls and ceilings.
Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
Benjamin Smail, an agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group in Omaha, Nebraska, shares three important tips for getting your home ready to sell:
Touch up paint on walls and trim with the correct color and sheen. For just $100 in paint and a day’s work completing touch ups, you can shift a buyer’s thinking. Eliminating the perception that a house needs a full paint makeover prevents buyers from deducting $5,000 to $15,000 of value from a home. An unkempt home can cost thousands of dollars in buyer enthusiasm. A buyer doesn’t feel warm and fuzzy purchasing a home from a seller who doesn’t care enough to clean it well and prepare it for sale. Every room should have the right number of possessions, positioned in the right places. Too many items are overwhelming. Too sparsely decorated and the room feels abandoned and sad. As a last resort, a completely empty space is ok if clean and well kept.Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life
Based on a recent Realtor.com report, April 13-19 is the ideal week to list your home! This week stands out because the demand is higher this time of year. With mortgage rates stabilizing, more buyers are returning to the market. Since there are more active buyers, who are eager to be settled into their new homes by summer, there is a good chance for a faster sale.
Reach out to take advantage of our accumulated vast local expertise, experience, and insight. We’d love to make YOU our next success story!
Whether buying or selling, below are some items that may impact your sale.
- Insurance – Many insurance companies are sending someone out to visually inspect a property after issuing a new policy (especially on older homes). If there is something like an old roof or peeling paint, you may be required to fix the situation to maintain the same policy and price.
- Lead Paint – All pre-1978 properties that are turned into rental housing as of July 2024 are required to have a Lead Safe Certificate issued by a licensed NH Risk Assessor prior to occupancy. This includes single family homes that are put on the rental market (like Airbnb or VRBO).
- Shoreland Septic Systems – If a septic system is within 250 ft. of the reference line, the buyer is required to have the system inspected. If the existing system was never approved by the state or approval was prior to 1989, the buyer must hire a septic system designer to determine the elevation of the bottom of the leach field relative to the high-water table. There are a lot more details with this law so be sure you understand it before selling or buying a waterfront home.
Whether buying or selling, contact me to work with a Realtor® who keeps current with the laws and regulations that could affect your bottom line.
 |
Donna ForestM: 603-731-5151donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook |
Capital gains tax is a tax on the profits from the sale of assets such as stocks, real estate, & other investments. Since houses are considered an asset, there could be potential for owing taxes when you sell. The capital gains tax is calculated on the difference between the sales price and the original cost. The good news is there is a tax exemption for your primary residence based on your tax-filing status: $500,000 for a married couple filing a joint return and $250,000 for a single filer. To claim this exemption, the home must be your primary residence that you owned for at least 2 years and you must have lived in it for at least 2 of the past 5 years.
The amount of gains can be reduced by the cost of any improvements and closing costs you've paid. Example of improvements include new roof, landscaping, new furnace, kitchen updates, etc.. Ordinary repairs can't be included. Add the amount of money spent to the initial price you paid for your home to give you the adjusted cost basis. The higher your cost basis, the lower your capital gains.
TIP - Keep records of your expenses including receipts & invoices to support your claims. Refer to the IRS Publication 523 and your accountant for more details about capital gains tax.
Contact me and put my many years of experience to work for you.
|
Donna ForestM: 603-731-5151donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook |
With both mortgage applications and showings up since the start of the year, it is clear that there are already more people actively looking to buy than in the past few years. This is great news if you are looking to sell! As Spring nears, and buyers get more excited about finding a home, we expect that this activity will continue to pick up!
Reach out to take advantage of our accumulated vast local expertise, experience, and insight. We’d love to make YOU our next success story!
Now is a great time to start getting your house market-ready! Here are some helpful tips!
- Declutter & Clean: These are two of the most important and cost-effective ways to increase value. Remove excess décor, deep clean the entire house, and minimize what you keep on countertops.
- Repairs & Maintenance: Focus on key repairs that you would want to see if you were a buyer. An agent can narrow down your repairs for the best return on investment.
Reach out to take advantage of our accumulated vast local expertise, experience, and insight. We’d love to make YOU our next success story!
If you’re thinking about selling this spring, now is the perfect time to start getting ready. Below are some key steps to take.
- Declutter: Remove excess décor, unnecessary belongings, oversized furniture. Minimize what you keep on kitchen and bathroom countertops.
- Depersonalize: Buyers need to visualize themselves living there. Remove family photos, religious items, unique collectibles, lawn ornaments, etc.
- Clean thoroughly: Deep clean the entire house, including floors, windows, appliances, and bathrooms.
- Paint if needed: Neutral colors are the gold standard when it comes to selling.
- Repairs & Maintenance: Address any needed repairs or deferred maintenance. Service the furnace, get chimney cleaned, service the generator, etc.
Contact me if you would like help prioritizing what you need to be doing now so you spend time and money on projects that will pay off when you sell.
|
Donna ForestM: 603-731-5151donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook |
The post "How to Choose a Moving Company" appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.
Choosing a moving company can be a challenge. It’s often difficult to know what you need and the questions to ask—and how to avoid falling victim to the schemes moving companies sometimes perpetrate on unsuspecting customers. There are a myriad of charges that come with moving a household—fees for supplies, labor, transportation, and other related items and activities. Many moving companies have unusual policies (like charging double travel time) that can be confusing or not adequately disclosed. So, how do you navigate all of this without losing precious time, money, or sanity? What’s the best way to understand exactly what your move requires and the services a moving company offers, and then choose a mover that best meets those needs? The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says that most moving company complaints stem from consumers being upset that the mover damaged items, arrived late, billed for unworked hours, or didn’t honor estimates (bait and switch). Your goal is to find a moving company that’s transparent in its offerings, does what it says it’ll do, and charges correctly when the job is done. If you can locate a company that does all of this—and hopefully goes above and beyond—you’ll find that gem that every homeowner hopes for. Moving is stressful. You don’t need to add more to your already-loaded plate by getting wrapped up with companies that provide unwanted problems instead of trustworthy service. Before you hire your next mover, take the time to read this guide on how to choose a moving company. Review the things you should look for in a mover. Go through our tips on choosing a reliable moving company and familiarize yourself with common scams to avoid.
Get Referrals
Ask friends, family, and neighbors who they’ve used to move their belongings. If you’re working with a real estate agent, get referrals for moving companies with an outstanding track record.
Ask for Quotes
Get quotes from at least three movers. Ask them if they charge by the hour or a flat rate (if a flat rate, how many hours of service do you get and what do they charge for overtime?)—and inquire about how many movers the company will assign to your job. Is there a fee for miles, gas, or travel time? What supplies does the mover provide (are there any mandatory charges for blankets, bubble wrap, moving dollies, etc.)? Do they need to see your belongings before giving a guaranteed quote? There are other price-based questions you can ask, depending on your specific scenario, but this should get you moving in the right direction.
Look for Red Flags
Most moving companies won’t charge a deposit before moving your items, so avoid those that do. A mover shouldn’t be anxious to get money from you. Movers who are vague and don’t want to answer questions should raise a huge red flag. Note the professionalism of all company representatives you talk to. Ask movers if they own or rent their van or truck (a reliable moving company will own a van or truck).
Ensure the Mover is Licensed and Insured
All licensed interstate moving companies must have a U.S. Dot number issued by The United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If you’re moving out of state, you can verify the company’s license through the FMCSA’s website. You can also view the company’s DOT number on the FMCSA website. Are you moving within the state? Investigate any company you’re considering by looking up its business profile through your state’s local consumer affairs agency.
Check the Better Business Bureau
Research all potential moving companies by reviewing their BBB ratings and any complaints against the providers (don’t consider any companies that don’t have a BBB profile or rating). Ideally, the company you choose should have BBB accreditation.
Inquire About Trade Association Accreditation
Go to the moving company’s website and look for an approved seal or logo that distinguishes the mover as part of a related industry trade association or organization. Good movers will probably have the American Moving and Storage Association’s ProMover logo on their website or marketing materials. You can also look up moving companies on the American Moving and Storage Association’s website to see if they’re members in good standing.
Verify the Company’s Address
The moving company you choose should have a brick-and-mortar location and the mover’s address should be listed as business—either in search engine listings or moving company directories. Don’t consider any mover with an address that points to a residential property.
More Tips for Choosing a Reliable Moving Company
Don’t stop your investigation after moving through the guidelines above. Before signing a moving contract, do the following:
- Ask if the company will take an inventory of all your items
- Get a written estimate
- Avoid companies that recently changed their business name
- Inquire about extra fees for moving to or from properties with stairs or elevators
- Ensure there are no blank spaces on your moving contract
- Be wary of guaranteed quotes unless you get them in writing
- Ask about moving insurance
How to Avoid Moving Scams
The most common moving scams that you should be aware of include:
- Bait and switch—when a moving company switches the time or day of your move at the last minute and the move ends up costing you more
- Late pickup or delivery—the mover arrives late, pushing you into a more expensive time slot (or they don’t deliver your items on time, sometimes taking longer than expected to get to your new location so they can charge you more)
- Exorbitant delivery charges and hold hostage—movers occasionally add additional costs to your total and won’t give you your items until you pay all the fees (or fight them)
Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.
It’s natural for us to assign greater value to things we own. This phenomenon is known as the "endowment effect," a theory introduced by American economist Richard Thaler in 1980. One of the classic studies illustrating this effect involves coffee mugs: Group A is shown a mug but doesn’t receive one, and they are asked how much they’d pay for it. On average, their answer is $4. Meanwhile, Group B is given mugs and then asked how much they would need to be paid to part with them. The average response here is $8.
This effect is often seen in sellers as well. Even when shown that similar homes have sold for less, and competing homes are priced lower, sellers still want to price their homes higher. The negative consequences of the endowment effect are that homes take longer to sell, the price ends up “chasing” the market and sellers eventually end up selling for a lower amount than if the house had been initially priced correctly.
Sellers should be mindful of how the endowment effect can influence their pricing decisions. Instead of relying on personal assumptions about the home's value, it’s important to base your pricing on actual market data. Give me a call if you need a Realtor to help you price your way to a successful sale!
 |
Donna ForestM: 603-731-5151donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook |
