10 Tips To Sell Your Home Fast

The peak homebuying season may be over, but there are still steps you can take to ensure a speedy sale. Setting the right price and making an excellent first impression are both essential to attracting buyers, but what else can you do to get the offers rolling in? Here are 10 tips to help you sell your home as quickly as possible — even in the offseason.

Price it right from the start.

Sellers often think they should start the asking price high and then lower it later if the house fails to sell. But that can result in a slower sale — sometimes even at a lower price. "The first 30 days' activity of your house being on the market is always the best activity you're going to see," says Michael Mahon, general manager of HER Realtors in Columbus, Ohio. If the price is too high, many buyers and their agents will stay away, assuming you're not serious about selling or you're unwilling to negotiate.

Enhance your home 's curb appeal.

This could mean adding new sod, planting flowers, painting the front door, or replacing the mailbox. Prospective buyers form an opinion the moment they spot the home. "Curb appeal is everything," Mahon says. "Driving into the driveway and walking into that front door sets the expectations."

Update the interior and exterior.

New fixtures, fresh paint and updated landscaping are all fairly easy and affordable ways to give your home a makeover. "It's got to look up to the current market conditions and what's in style," Mahon says.

Clean, declutter, and depersonalize.

The fewer things there are in the home, the larger it will look, so remove knickknacks and excess furniture. Also take down family photos, religious items, and political posters so prospective buyers can envision their family in the house, not yours. Finally, you may want to hire a cleaning service to do a deep cleaning.

Make the property easy to show.

The more flexible you are about visits, the more people will be able to see your home. Be ready for prospective visitors early in the morning, at night and on weekends, with little notice. Also, leave when the house is shown so would-be buyers can feel free to move about without feeling like intruders and discuss the home's pros and cons honestly

Remove your pets.

Also remove their paraphernalia, such as dog dishes and cat litter boxes (or at least hide them). A prospective buyer shouldn't even know that a pet lives in the home if you can help it, Mahon says.

Make sure your listing is on all the major online portals.

This is usually part of an agent 's service, but it doesn't hurt to double-check that your listing is on Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. It also helps if your agent showcases the home on social media. "We sell as many homes off Facebook as we do off the [multiple listing service]," Mahon says. Both the agency and the individual agents have Facebook business pages where they share listings.

Ensure the listing has good photos, and lots of them.

Most homebuyers start their search online and decide which homes they want to see based on the photos. You probably want something better than snapshots taken quickly with your agent 's phone.

Share information about life in the neighborhood.

The listing should include photos not only of the house, but also of nearby recreation, dining and shopping areas. If the schools are good, make sure that information is in the listing. "You 're not only marketing the home — you 're marketing the lifestyle," Mahon says.

For more visit: http://e.businessinsider.com/view/4cb9d08e52baf1d8a812104a5419d329897e2c323c8b45c2/9f2de2ab

Mary Zohar, is a long-standing member of the Coldwell Banker North Tampa Office and an active member of the Greater Tampa Associates of Realtors. Besides having a Bachelor in Science from the University of Florida, she holds: Certified Home Marketing Specialist, Certified Negotiation Specialist, e-Pro, Short Sale and Foreclosure, and Accredited Buyer Representative and Certified Residential Specialist certifications; and received the International Diamond Society Award this past year. She also is the representative of the North Tampa office for Coldwell Banker CARES.  And is current in Continuing Education and licensure for the State of Florida. Having lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1981, makes her an expert in the  community at large. If she doesn't know what you're looking for, she surely knows who to ask or how to find out. Watching Tampa Bay grow, after these years makes her knowledge priceless. She can be reached at 813-417-6696, and is eager to assist you with all of your Real Estate needs.

A Checklist for First Time Homebuyers

Pay down your debt. And while you're at it, check your credit score and look over your credit report. "Before you start the process, you should make sure your credit score is OK," says Michael Eisenberg, a certified public accountant and personal financial planner with Eisenberg Financial Advisors in Los Angeles. "If you don't have a good credit score, you may not get the best [interest] rate. In fact, you may not get a loan, period."

So before you do anything else – with any luck, long before you do anything else – focus on paying down your credit cards, paying your bills on time and raising your credit score. (A score of 720 and above is generally considered good, and 750 to 850 is excellent). You want your future mortgage lender to like what it sees when it comes time to request a loan for a house.

Have money in the bank. Most experts suggest that you have at least 20 percent of the house's purchase price saved as a down payment. You can certainly buy a house without that – and many people do – but there are plenty of good reasons to put down at least 20 percent. For starters, you'll almost certainly avoid paying private mortgage insurance, or you won't have to pay it for long. PMI is typically 1 to 2 percent of the value of the loan, split into monthly payments. It may not seem like much, but if it adds, say, $100 to your monthly mortgage payment, you can see why you'd like to avoid it.

In other words, if you happen to have $20,000 in a bank account, and you're thinking of buying a house in the not-so distant future, hang onto it. This isn't the time to buy that motorcycle you've always wanted or invest in a coin collection.

Fine-tune your budget. Regardless of what you have in the bank now, this is a long-term, year-after-year, month-after-month expense you're going to take on. "So the first thing I would say to anyone buying a home is, 'Let's see how much you can afford to spend,'" Eisenberg says. "Everyone thinks about the mortgage and interest, but there's more to it than that. What about the property taxes? Will you have homeowner association fees? Are you renting now, and will your house be much bigger? That means you'll pay more for utilities. Are there amenities that you're going to have to take care of? Does the house have a pool? You need to plan much more than by asking yourself if you can afford the mortgage."

Pej Barlavi, a real estate broker in New York City, agrees. "I always recommend to work your numbers backwards," he says. "First, know your budget or set a monthly budget that you will be comfortable with paying that will not put you under a difficult strain should you not be able to work for several months."

That might sound a little grim, but think about it. If this is going to be a house you'll live in for years, there are going to be good and bad times ahead. You want to be prepared.

Think about how you'll pay for the house. Yes, with money. But will you take out a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage?

ARMs had a terrible reputation after the Great Recession, and for good reason. With an adjustable-rate mortgage, you'll get the lowest rate available – but then it will adjust after several years, often based on an index, like the Cost of Funds Index. The main point here is that your payment with an adjustable-rate mortgage won't stay the same.
"During the economic meltdown of 2007-2009, many homeowners lost their jobs and then discovered the interest rates on their mortgages were going up," says Diana Webb, an associate professor of finance at Northwood University. Small wonder she says: "Adjustable rate mortgages are the scariest mortgages that I see."

For more visit: http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2014/05/23/a-checklist-for-first-time-homebuyers

Mary Zohar, is a long-standing member of the Coldwell Banker North Tampa Office and an active member of the Greater Tampa Associates of Realtors. Besides having a Bachelor in Science from the University of Florida, she holds: Certified Home Marketing Specialist, Certified Negotiation Specialist, e-Pro, Short Sale and Foreclosure, and Accredited Buyer Representative and Certified Residential Specialist certifications; and received the International Diamond Society Award this past year. She also is the representative of the North Tampa office for Coldwell Banker CARES.  And is current in Continuing Education and licensure for the State of Florida. Having lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1981, makes her an expert in the  community at large. If she doesn't know what you're looking for, she surely knows who to ask or how to find out. Watching Tampa Bay grow, after these years makes her knowledge priceless. She can be reached at 813-417-6696, and is eager to assist you with all of your Real Estate needs.

3 Reasons to Buy Houses That Aren't Selling

When a house has been sitting on the market for a while, it can leave potential buyers with a bad impression. Home shoppers worry there are hidden deficiencies in the house causing others to shy away. But to buy houses that aren’t selling could be your best bargain.

Here are three primary reasons to buy houses that aren’t selling.

Sellers May Accept Lower Offers 

The main reason why a house doesn’t sell is because of the inflated asking price. Potential buyers skip over overpriced homes in favor of more competitively-priced homes. They don’t even think of making an offer on homes listed above their budget.

Buyers assume the sellers aren’t willing to accept a much lower offer. Yet this might not be the case. Sellers may not even be aware their asking price is over current market value. If the house has already been on the market for an extended period, the owner might be willing to consider reducing the asking price.

You have nothing to lose by making a lower offer and trying to buy houses that aren’t selling. Offer the seller a price based on what you think is fair market value. You may be surprised when the seller accepts your offer.

Minor Fixes Can Turn a Beast Into a Beauty

Properties can remain on the market for insignificant reasons. It could be the exterior of the house deters prospective homebuyers. Unmowed lawns, cracking paint and useless junk in a house may be unappealing. Remember, minor and superficial renovations can quickly bring a home up to livable standards, so you can buy houses that aren’t selling.

Because the house has been on the market for a lengthy period, you may be able to purchase it for a bargain and invest some of the money you’ve saved on the necessary repairs. Once you’ve mowed the lawn, painted the walls and removed the rubbish, the house can sparkle and shine.

Location, Location, Location

Sometimes potential buyers pass on homes for sale because of their inferior location. It’s possible the value of the location may be irrelevant to you. For instance, the quality of the schools in specific districts may raise or lower the value of neighborhood homes, even if the homes are just a few blocks apart. Someone without school-aged children can buy a cheaper home in the non-prime neighborhood, even if the school district is a prime factor for other buyers.

Instead of being scared by non-selling homes other potential buyers have rejected, look out for them. A smart home shopper doesn’t worry about the amount of time a house has been for sale; he or she will instead think about why the house could be the right choice for them—to buy houses that aren’t selling.

These three reasons can truly help you find a bargain out there in the market, and you’ll be happy you took the road less traveled on the way to your new home.   

See more at: http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy-houses-not-selling/

Saving money on home improvement projects without sacrificing quality

Remodeling a home can be exciting for both new and existing homeowners. Some home improvement projects can help boost the real estate value of a property or help owners attract more buyers if they decide to list their homes for sale. However, many home improvement projects can be costly if individuals purchase the materials outright or hire a contractor to complete the job and buy building items.

There are several ways consumers can save money on home improvement projects without sacrificing quality.

Use reclaimed materials

Reclaimed materials can be a cost-effective option for homeowners who are making small repairs or improvements and are trying to stick to a tight budget, according to Fox Business. Reclaimed materials are those items that were previously used in a building or home. Homeowners can find these materials at home improvement stores and building stores at a steep discount. These retailers sell materials that can be used in a variety of projects, ranging from replacing doors and cabinets to laying down new countertops and updating bathrooms, the news source explains.

In many cases, individuals may save between 30 and 60 percent of the original cost. The only downside to using reclaimed items is that consumers may have to stick to smaller projects, rather than large-scale updates, because retailers may not have the inventory to fuel a big project.

Shop at outlets and warehouses

Shopping at big-box chains can be a convenient way to purchase the materials you need. However, visiting outlet stores and warehouses can be more cost-effective. These locations typically mark down products significantly and carry items in bulk. Many warehouses also carry sets of materials that were returned or overstocked, so they will be in good condition and in some cases, brand new. Further, many warehouses offer significant discounts that can range from 30 to 75 percent off the original cost.

Consumers may run into the same problems that are associated with purchasing reclaimed materials, namely because low prices attract homeowners and inventory supplies may run out quickly. However, those who are completing small projects that do not need to be undertaken immediately can save significantly by shopping in a variety of locations to collect the materials they need.   

See more at: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/real_estate/learn/materials_you_use_can_help_save_money?topContentLast=MostRecent&title=Home+Owner+Resources&daysBackLast=30&lastLinkFlag=CATEGORY&contentIdLast=272050 

Creative Uses for Your Outdoor Shed

Many homeowners look to their backyard sheds solely as a storage space to house tools, gardening instruments, old appliances and products that are no longer in use. However, a shed can be a valuable and useful piece of real estate and a creative extension of one's home if individuals take the time to fix it up.

So before hauling old boxes and clothing bags into a shed and forgetting about them, consider other ways to make it a functional space.

Home office

Working at home can be distracting when there are chores to be done or children have friends over. However, converting an outdoor shed into a quaint office space can give individuals the quiet and privacy they need to work, research, read and complete projects, according to the Seattle magazine, Sunset. Many sheds are already equipped with lights and outlets, so adding tables, filing cabinets and office decor is the only task left for workers who want to create a space that is all their own.

Children's playroom

Homeowners who lack the space to accommodate piles of toys, children's books and activity stations should consider using their shed as an outdoor playhouse. Painting the shed bright colors, hanging fun pictures, setting up a small snack bar and refrigerator and moving toys to the shed can create an exciting tree house effect for young children. This can also be a great place to host birthday parties, camping trips, play dates and children's sleepovers.

Studio

A shed can make a great space for indulging in hobbies, such as painting, sketching, jewelry-making and other activities. Because the space is detached from the house, it can bring a calming and more serene effect on homeowners and help them avoid indoor distractions. In addition to a space for hobbies, sheds can make good exercise rooms. They generally provide enough space for one or two large machines, such as treadmills, spinning bikes or elliptical, as well as enough room for a weight or yoga station.

Spare bedroom

Homeowners with a large shed may consider converting it into a small bedroom space, especially if it's already equipped with windows and outlets. This can be a good place for guests or adult children to stay when homeowners lack the indoor space.

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http://www.coldwellbanker.com/real_estate/learn/creative_uses_for_your_outdoor_shed?topContentLast=MostRecent&title=Home+Owner+Resources&daysBackLast=30&lastLinkFlag=CATEGORY&contentIdLast=272050

Photo Credit: Benjamin Chun  Creative Commons License

Bathroom remodeling and adding value

According to Remodeling Magazine, remodeling a bathroom may recover as much as 64 percent of the cost when a home is sold. This could make a bathroom remodel a strong investment, as home improvements go. Despite this, it can be hard to determine how much a remodeling project adds to the home's overall sale price so homeowners should keep in mind a specific budget before beginning a project.  Other factors could affect the homes sale price, and some buyers will care more than others about specific home improvements.

A home improvement project is a complex undertaking, and requires solid financial and design planning in advance to ensure it goes smoothly. If current homeowners are planning to sell soon, they may be better off selling the home in its current condition rather than improving it, unless there is some problem requiring repair. It may not be worth implementing upgrades if there will not be time to enjoy them.

Some useful renovations

If owners do decide to go forward with projects, one improvement possibility is to add storage space, according to HouseLogic. Bathrooms are often crowded, leaving little room for spare towels and the many products commonly used there. A bathroom with ample storage can represent a major convenience, so adding shelf units or hanging some items on the walls can make a surprising difference.

An easily overlooked upgrade might be to improve the ventilation. Air movement can govern the bathroom temperature, humidity and fogging of mirrors, and poor air flow could damage cabinets or encourage the growth of mold.

Improving bathrooms

Improving ventilation, storage space, lighting and other aspects of the room can draw interest from home buyers in addition to making the home more comfortable for its current residents. A warmer or more comfortable room may stick in buyers' minds, justifying the price point home sellers know their properties warrant.

There are benefits beyond improving home price, as well. Bathrooms are among the most important rooms in a home, where people regularly need to spend a certain amount of time. Like kitchens, they typically receive a great deal of attention from potential buyers. A comfortable, clean bathroom may be among the deciding factors when home buyers commit to a purchase.

Both rooms tend to have more fixed features, such as counters, sinks and

cabinets, than living spaces and bedrooms. As a result, there is less

flexibility. New owners can arrange their furniture however they like, but it may be impossible to alter a bathroom or kitchen significantly without remodeling or renovation.

For original article visit http://www.coldwellbanker.com/real_estate/learn/bathroom_remodeling_and_adding_value?topContentLast=MostRecent&title=Home+Owner+Resources&daysBackLast=30&lastLinkFlag=CATEGORY&contentIdLast=272050

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Insulation and Home Heating

Homeowners may sometimes be concerned about the amount they spend on electricity and energy, and look for ways to minimize those expenses. Energy inefficiency can be costly over time, and flawed electrical, heating and air conditioning or other systems may be inconvenient as well.

In winter, for example, heat loss can mean extra layers or a higher heating bill. Taking care of such systems is important, but there is another factor that may be forgotten because it is not visible. Insulation traps warmth inside a home, and thin or lacking insulation can let heat escape, cooling it more rapidly than normal. Good insulation, and its effect on costs over time, may also be valuable selling points when it's time to move on.

Adding insulation

According to HouseLogic, homes may lack sufficient insulation for several reasons. It may have settled over time, and older homes may not have had enough in the first place. In such cases, heating and cooling costs are typically high, and the source notes improving wall insulation can save money over time. This takes a few years, but for a homeowner who intends to stay in place waiting may not be a problem.

While a household which moves frequently might not benefit as much, a more stationary family or individual can enjoy the impact on their comfort immediately and the financial benefits will come in time. The source notes adding wall insulation may be inconvenient in some homes, depending on construction. It can be easier to perform when siding is being replaced or as part of a larger remodeling effort.

Insulation comes in various types, some of which resist heat more effectively. Adding more insulation or replacing what is already present with a more effective alternative may each be beneficial, depending on the specifics of a home.

Attics and basements

The source notes adding attic insulation in such cases can make a significant difference, as can improvements focused on the basement. These areas are easy to overlook, because some people tend to spend little time in them, and can be major avenues of heat loss. As much as 30 percent of heat may be lost through basements, HouseLogic notes.

Depending on how extensive the work is, improving insulation may pay back an investment in as few as 3 or as many as 23 years, making it important for homeowners to weigh the benefits against how long they intend to stay in one place. For a couple planning to retire in their current location, a 23-year period of recouping on the investment may be worthwhile, particularly if they are more comfortable as that time passes. Home sellers might find it prohibitively expensive, however.

See more at http://www.coldwellbanker.com/real_estate/learn/insulation_and_home_heating?topContentLast=MostRecent&title=Home+Owner+Resources&daysBackLast=30&lastLinkFlag=CATEGORY&contentIdLast=272050

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