In recent times, when homeowners wanted to put a property on the market, they did so by contacting a realtor. Unfortunately, selling a home otherwise was hardly an option. But thanks to technological advancements and various changes to the real estate industry, there is now more than one way to sell a home.
While there are tons of reasons homeowners decide to sell, the process of selling is pretty tedious and sometimes quite frustrating. Although this is typically only the case when property listings lack crucial elements, extensive property damage, or price listings are far too high.
Nevertheless, there are ways to overcome all these concerns, and in some instances, the condition of your home won’t determine whether or not it can sell if you know how to sell it.
So, if you are hoping to sell your property, we’ve rounded up the best home selling approaches in today’s market.
Sell using A Traditional Realtor
Even though it’s no longer essential to rely on a real estate agent to sell your home, you can still consider the option as it does offer numerous perks. For starters, when depending on a real estate agent, you won’t have to worry about scheduling viewings, to negotiate the sale, or closing the deal; your realtor will handle it all for you.
However, the main downfall with this method is that the realtor will be entitled to a percentage of the sale. Therefore, you will typically pocket a bit less than you would if you opt for modern approaches. Nevertheless, relying on a realtor remains the most convenient solution.
Moreover, you can also consider flat-fee or discount realtors. These real estate agents will sell your home for a discounted rate or a flat fee instead of taking home a percentage of the sale and possibly other fees.
While these agents will list your home and assist with the sale in a few ways, they won’t do as much as traditional realtors.
Real Estate Listing Platforms
You can now sell a home fast in Atlanta and any other area with the help of real estate listing platforms that allow homeowners to create private listings without any assistance from real estate.
Creating your own listing means you can adjust the pricing and edit the post in your favor. Because this approach will help you avoid relying on a realtor, you can ultimately enjoy a larger profit on the sale. Furthermore, these platforms are also relatively straightforward to navigate and use.
Even though you will benefit from a larger take-home profit, you will need to invest some time, effort, and money towards listing your property so that it grabs the attention of the right buyers. So, you’ll want to take professional photographs, consider virtual tours, and determine the value of your home.
When determining the accurate value of your home, it’s wise to have a property evaluator assess the value. Moreover, you should still check the market for property listings in your area to better understand how much to sell your home for.
But with that said, whether you sell your home with a realtor or privately, you should consider investing in some affordable renovations to boost property value as much as possible before the sale. Some of the more affordable home improvement projects include landscaping, upgrading fittings, repainting the exterior and interior, and conducting essential repairs. These small investments will also go a long way in ensuring your property sells.
Property Buyers
These days, companies out there purchase homes in any condition. Typically, these real estate investment individuals and businesses aim to buy properties to renovate and flip them for a profit. Other times, homes are purchased for real estate development reasons. Regardless, property buyers will make a cash offer on any property.
This option is the best solution for anyone that needs to sell a home fast and does not have time or money to invest in renovations. Additionally, selling your home to a property buyer is also the best option if the property has structural issues or other extensive damages that will keep home buyers avoiding a listing.
Selling a home in today’s market is a lot more straightforward than in days gone by. However, because more options are available, you will need to consider which method will give you the most. For some homeowners, it will be best to rely on a realtor, while others might find that property buyers or private sales are more suitable.
Buying your first home is a daunting, and often confusing task. There is so much to know and for the inexperienced, it can seem like navigating a treacherous minefield. But fear not, we are putting together this concise guide on what to do and what to look out for. Here are our five ways to find the ideal first home.
Needs for your First Home
The first thing to know is what do you need from a home? If you have four kids and a dog, then your requirements are going to be different than if you are just a single person. Do you drive? The answer to this question may influence your choice. Does the property have adequate parking if you do? If not, what is the public transport provision like? You should be able to search for properties with minimum square footage and a number of rooms.
Location
Are you tied down to a particular area? Reasons for this may be that you have caring commitments for family, perhaps an elderly parent? You may want to be mindful of how far your commute to work is. Even if most of us are working from home these days, this trend may not last. If you are looking forhomes for sale in Utah then make sure you are strict with your distances and not to leave yourself with too far of a regular trip.
Amenities
There are a lot of new housing developments popping up around the country, which is great, but the downside of this is that often the distance from local amenities can be considerable. It might not be an apparent issue, but if you wind up with a twenty-minute drive each way to get groceries it will become tiresome very quickly. It’s as easy as looking up Google maps and typing in the types of amenities you are interested in and then get directions.
Type of Property
We’ve talked about what size of the property we might be looking for, but this tells us nothing of property type. A detached house would be many people’s preferred choice, you get the most space, the fact that you are not attached to a neighbor and won’t get noise harassment or need toinstall soundproofing. You also have the advantage of a yard with a house; however, this does bring a degree of maintenance with it. If you go for an apartment then you will inevitably have the smaller square footage, but the cost will be lower, and the property will be easier to keep.
Work Needing Done
One aspect of buying a property that is crucial is to be aware of the condition of a property before making an offer. There is nothing inherently wrong with taking on a property that requires fixing up, but you should be going into the situation fully aware so that you do not end up overpaying. You can then factor in the cost of anything needing doing, from installing an air conditioning unit to fully rewiring the entire property.
When you decide it is time to move down the street or across the country, it is important to choose a place to live carefully. If you want to move to a new state or town, you need to make sure that area has the amenities you need, such as job opportunities, good schools, medical services, and pleasant neighborhoods to live in.
Choose the Location To Move to
The first step in any journey to find a new home is to choose the town, the neighborhood, and the development to look for a house in. By contacting www.homesinchapinsc.com/ in the Lake Murray SC area, you can find the best places to consider living in. Searching for a new home in this area is easy with the expert real estate professionals available to help with the search. There are home lots, homes with acreage, homes on city lots for sale, and homes in planned developments.
Choose a real estate agent to help you decide which housing choices best meet your needs. There will be homes in many different price ranges to consider, so decide on a budget and get pre-approved for a home loan before starting the shopping process.
1. Decide what you and all the members of your family want in a home. Does the family want a new or existing home? should it be one story or multi-story? Will the family consider a fixer-upper house to save money?
2. Decide which features are necessities in a home and which things would be nice. Then, do some searching online with real estate listing services to narrow down the neighborhoods and houses to visit. Check out crime rates, commute time to a job, schools, shopping, and recreational activities.
Get Finances in Order
3. Don’t start touring homes until the finances to purchase a home are in place. Meet with local lenders to find the best home mortgage terms and determine how much you qualify to borrow. Then, get a pre-qualification letter to present to the agent and seller of any house you want to purchase.
4. Decide on a moving timeline. Is your present home sold, and when is that closing? Do you need time to clean up your credit rating to qualify for a home loan? Do you want to wait until school is out to move or be moved before the school year begins? Is there a lease that has a couple of months left on it?
5. Find and work with a good Realtor in the area you want to move to. They can be a valuable tool.
6. Think long-term on what you want in life and a house. This could be a starter home that you plan on living in for a few years and then upgrade to a better home. Or, this might be the home you want to raise a family in for the long term. This may be a down-sized home for your retirement years. The home for each of these needs will be different.
7. Be open-minded about the housing options you will consider. Budgets have a lot to do with determining the size and amenities that a family can realistically expect. Stay true to that list of family necessities you listed. With each house, you must weigh the advantages and good points with the disadvantages, such as neighborhood, street noise, and some home imperfections.
8. Make sure you can afford the home you are interested in when considering the closing costs and other expenses that must be added to the purchase price. If the home meets your needs and budget, don’t take days to decide on making an offer. There is nothing worse than losing out on the perfect home by a day.
Residential property owners must follow the necessary steps to prevent foundation damage. Gutters are installed underneath the edges of the roofing to allow rainwater to flow away from the property. The installations lower the risk of foundation flooding. However, gutters aren’t the only fixture that protects the property or affects the foundation. Property owners read through the 10 signs your foundation is in need of repairs and decide if the signs are present in their home.
1. Cracks or Damage in Sheetrock
Cracks and sheetrock damage are clear signs that the foundation is damaged, and moisture from the lower levels of the property have reached the walls. Unfortunately, moisture is a leading cause of mold and mildew that increase respiratory diseases for the homeowner. Property owners hire contractors to investigate the sheetrock damage and find out if there is mold and where it has spread.
If mold is found, the homeowner faces the expense of mold remediation and restoration services. An insurance claim might help the homeowner get the coverage they need to pay for the foundation repairs and mold remediation. Unfortunately, homeowner’s insurance providers aren’t cooperative always when it comes to existing mold. Some policies restrict coverage according to how long the mold and property damage have been present. Property owners must stay on task and discuss issues with their repair service before major catastrophes occur.
2. Cracks in Exterior Walls
Flooding around the foundation is a leading cause for damage in upper levels of the property including the exterior walls. Siding that is disconnected and falling off the outside of the home is a sign that serious damage has traveled upward, and too much moisture is a real problem for the homeowner. The exterior walls are often rotten, too.
If wood rot is present, larger sections of the exterior walls require repairs and could present a more complex repair project for the property owner. Underlying wood rot spreads to surrounding materials, such as the framing. The contractor might have to remove the entire section of the exterior wall to restore the property and prevent the depreciation of its value.
Contractors must remove the siding in the damaged area to find out if more issues are present. Under the circumstances, the homeowner sees large cracks in the exterior walls and bricks that are sticking out from the exterior walls if they have a brick home. Homeowners who find the signs schedule foundation repairs for preventing additional damage to their homes.
3. Obvious Signs of Uneven Floors
Uneven floors are an obvioussign of foundation damage. The floors are starting to give and present a hazard to the homeowner, their family, and anyone who enters their property. Homeowners notice the difference in the floors when spills seem to flow in a downward or opposite direction instead of puddling in one spot of the floor. It could mean that the support is sagging nearby causing an incline in the property, too.
Tripping hazards occur due to uneven flooring, and homeowners are at a greater risk of facing liabilities, such as premises liability or accident claims. Homeowners who entertain guests more frequently increase their risks if they don’t get the flooring repair quickly. An inspection of the foundation helps owners prevent more risks, and they can replace their flooring after the foundation is fixed to prevent new sections of the flooring from becoming damaged.
4. Separation Around Windows and Doors
Separation around windows and doors is caused by foundation damage, too. Homeowners notice that there is a space between the window casing or the door framing when the issue arises. The space offers an entry point for pests and could lead to a serious infestation. If the separation continues without action, the security of the home becomes a major concern, too.
Window and door separation causes irregularities, such as doors failing to close properly and warping window casings. It increases the odds of breaking window glass and potential safety risks for the owner and their family. Cracks in the windows are often visible when separation occurs.
Exterior temperatures enter the property causing the thermostat to detect inaccurate temperatures and engage the heating or cooling system. Property owners see rising energy costs and consumption due to heat transfer and loss. The exterior air comes in through cracks in the walls, too.
5. Signs of Weakened Floors
Bouncy floors are a sign of serious damage that leads to the floor caving in and causing personal injuries. It means the flooring has been compromised and has weakened. It won’t provide adequate support for the homeowner or their family. Property owners who notice a bounce in their step when walking across their floors need to take immediate action and replace their flooring. Foundation damage is often the cause of flooring damage due to moisture and dampness.
Homeowners should take note of all sections of the flooring where it is bouncy and tell their repair service provider. They should move around their furniture and find out if there are weakened flooring sections underneath heavier than average furnishings, too. If the flooring is weak underneath the couch or an entertainment center, the furnishings could cave through the floor without warning.
6. Cracks in Tiling
Tiling lifts from the flooring when moisture is present in lower levels of the property. Homeowners notice chips and sudden breaks in their tile floors when moisture builds underneath each section. The tiles disconnect from the subflooring when the wood is rotten or damaged. Homeowners must replace the entire subflooring along with the tiles under the circumstances.
Ceramic tile starts to chip and break as it is lifted off the flooring. It can chip and break into powder presenting a financial loss to the property owner. Acting quickly could present the owner from facing the expense of replacing each individual tile.
7. Nails Popping Out of Drywall Consistently
Nails popping out of drywall consistently are a sign of wet sheetrock. Moisture has built up behind the walls and is causing the drywall to stay damp, and it is no longer supporting the nails. Nails won’t stay anchored into the sheetrock if it is wet, and some might fall out of the sheetrock entirely. Homeowners need a complete inspection of the affected wall to determine if the framing and all the drywall is wet.
The cost of moisture removal is high, too. Service providers use dehumidifiers whenever possible to draw the moisture out of the walls and prevent more damage. Sections of drywall are often replaced due to moisture.
8. Expansion Joint Separation
Contractors install expansion joints to prevent structural instabilities due to land shifts, increasing humidity levels, and consistent changes in the temperature. Foundation damage causes structural instability and the expansion joint isn’t able to compensate for the sudden change. The joint fails, and the portion of the property where the joint was installed begins to crack. Sudden cracks could lead to complete separation of the walls leading to framing and roofing instability causing the entire property to become structurally unsound.
9. Signs of Rotten Wood
Foundation damage causes moisture to spread throughout the property. Most residential properties have wooden supports and framing. Wood rot is a serious risk to the property and could create a total loss for the owner.
Wood rot could also present a food source for termites and cause a major termite infestation underneath the home. Termites are a major risk to residential properties. The insects destroy wooden framing and support, and the termites could multiple and build colonies quickly with a dedicated food source nearby.
Under the circumstances, the owner will have to spend more money exterminating the termites and cutting the colonies off from food sources. The services are necessary before the homeowner starts any repairs. After the insects are gone, the property owner faces the expense of replacing all wood that rotted due to the foundation damage.
10. Signs of Wall Separation
Wall separation is the greatest risk to a residential property and is caused by foundation issues. If the homeowner notices wall separation, major construction and repair services are needed to correct the damage. It means the walls are rotten, the framing is damaged, and the sheetrock inside the home must be replaced.
It also presents the possibility of electrical issues if an outlet was installed within the section of the wall. In addition to tracing the cause of the wall separation, the homeowner must make sure that the electrical connections weren’t disturbed. Frayed wiring could cause an electrical fire and the total destruction of the property.
The foundation of the home is a vital part of the overall home design. It keeps the property structurally sound and stable. If the foundation cracks the property shifts and presents a major risk to the owners as well as a potential financial loss. Knowing the signs of foundation damage helps property owners lower the changes of surrounding damage, such as rotten wood, broken support beams, and flooring instability. Acting quickly and scheduling repairs protects the home and restores property values.
We have been staging homes for a number of years now and what we can tell you is that staging is more than just ‘pretty-ing’ up a place. Making a property pretty is of course important but there are other important factors when it comes to home staging that don’t involve furniture at all.
1 – Smells.
Are you nose-blind? You might be and that’s not uncommon. We all get used to our surroundings the warts and all and that includes the smells. When someone comes to your home for the first time, like a buyer would, they see it all and smell it all. So be sure to tackle those unpleasant odours. Ask a friend or neighbour to do a smell check – can they smell the pets? mold? mildew? A professional cleaning can often make a big difference and it’s worth it!
2 – Repairs.
Loose or cracked tiles, leaky faucet, loose hardware, burnt out light bulbs, noisy fan, chipped paint, the list goes on…tackle that list or get a handy man who can. When buyers come through they will take notice and that will be come the focus.
3- Upgrades/Updates.
Is your home in need of some updates? You may not know for sure and this is a great conversation to have with your agent. They can tell you what has sold and for what price. They can show you photos so you can see the condition of the sold property. They can also show you this info for your market competition. You may need to price accordingly or make some updates. But this can really determine your length of time on the market. Your agent can also let you know which updates are worth investing in and which to pass on.
4 – Clutter.
We all have it and we all can’t stand it but it happens. When you sell your home you need to deal with the clutter. Sure you know the usual – kitchen counters, desk in the office but don’t forget about the little clutter like bathroom counter surfaces, table tops, closets and even above those kitchen cabinets. When you are selling your home – make a date or 2 or 3 or…to conquer the clutter – it’s better for you, it’s better to deal with it before you go to the new place but it’s important that the buyers don’t see it. Short on time and can’t deal with the clutter? It’s better to have papers and other items that clutter tucked away in containers – it looks neater and tidier. Clutter sends the message that ‘this home lacks storage’, so don’t let it pile up!
5- Not just inner beauty.
The interior of your home is very important but so is the exterior. Did you know that buyers often do judge a book buy it’s cover? You might be missing out on a buyer if the exterior of your property doesn’t show well. So pay attention to the exterior. Is it clean? Maintained? Welcoming? Well lit?
6 – Take out your personality.
Lots of buyers love a home with character but that doesn’t mean your character. Remove the bold wall paint colours, family photos, collections and anything that is really representative of your personal tastes and styles – bring that to the new place. Neutralize and depersonalize. It might sound boring to you – but it is important, buyers need to visualize themselves in the space and a neutral palette or a clean canvas allows them to do that. You want a home buyer not a house guest!
Be prepared for some feedback that might not be glowing – it happens to every property. It’s not personal. Use that feedback and discuss with your agent what you can do about it. If you are noticing a pattern in your feedback ‘like the family room is dark’ – lighten it up with lighting or maybe paint. Listen to the market and work with your agent.
When it comes to selling your home remember the buyer is looking for their new home, not your old home – make it shine and stand out from the crowd!
Buyers are looking for their ‘new’ home and not your ‘old’ home – so presentation is really key to get your house sold so you want move on to your next chapter with ease…
