Articles Tagged "tips for selling your home"

There are almost as many ways to sell your home as there are Plymouth homes for sale. But if you want to get the job done quickly and effectively, with as little hassle as possible, your best bet is to do it through an agent. Here are six ways an agent makes it easier to sell your home.

1. More Buyers to Choose From. Agents know the area and how and where to find people looking to buy a home. What's more, they have a resource that independent sellers don't: the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database of information on available properties, their locations, values, etc. Listing your home on the MLS allows agents to cast a wider net and find a suitable buyer more quickly.
   
   
2. More Money. You may think selling your home yourself (a For Sale By Owner or FSBO deal) will save you money since an agent takes a cut of what you make on the sale. However, without an agent's help, your home will likely have a lower sale price. Agents know how to negotiate and get you a better price than most people could get on their own. An agent's fee is typically 6% of your home's sale price. But without one, sale prices average 6% lower anyway. Better to hire an agent and make your job easier.
   
   
3. Save Time. How do you know how serious a potential buyer is? They could be someone looking to see what's out there or a neighbor curious about the resale value of other homes in the area. The longer you spend dealing with lookie-loos, the less time you have for serious buyers. An agent can help weed out the ones who aren't serious. They know what to ask to determine a person's genuine interest, so you can spend more time on the buyers and less time on the lookers.
   
   
4. Objectivity. When you live in a place day in and day out, there are many things you become accustomed to. Certain issues may be things you've dealt with for years and have adjusted to without thinking. Others may have come on so gradually that you never realized there was a problem in the first place. An agent lends your home an objective, expert eye. On a walkthrough, they can spot all the problems you can't and show you exactly what needs to be done to fix your home up and raise its resale value.
   
   
5. Paperwork. What contracts, disclosures, and other forms do you need to prepare and sign to make your home's sale legally binding? There's a lot of paperwork involved in selling your house, and if you neglect some of it or file it incorrectly, you risk exposing yourself to legal troubles. Your agent, however, does this for a living. They know exactly what paperwork you need and how to do it properly and can guide you through the entire process, beginning to end.
   
   
6. Experience. The bottom line is that an agent knows what they're doing. They're experienced in selling homes—finding the right buyer, getting the most money, and getting your home on and off the market as quickly as possible. They're someone in your corner, looking out for your best interest. When hiring an agent, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

If you're ready to sell your home or buy your dream home, contact us. Our real estate agents will guide you through the process, every step of the way, to help you get what you want.

Many sellers are being urged to list their homes without making upgrades based on the current housing market. But our real estate agents can tell you that wise sellers offering Plymouth homes for sale are maximizing their profits by focusing on two specific rooms: the kitchen and the bathroom. They'll be happy to discuss the return on investment potential from budget-mindful improvements to luxury remodels.

Popular Kitchen Features

1. Kitchen islands top the wish list of the typical home buyer. More people are cooking at home than in decades, and they demand adequate workspace. Doing double duty as home classrooms and even office space, an island is a very attractive feature. This is one of the most expensive improvements you can make, but the increased sales price may be worth it.
   
   
2. Cabinet space is critical to a well-organized kitchen, so if additional cabinets are possible, they deserve your consideration. If not, you may wish to consider installing pull-out shelves or a lazy Susan to maximize hard-to-reach spaces. 
   
   
3. Cabinet lighting does more than brighten the kitchen; it makes the work area much more efficient. The soft glow from under the cabinet makes the room feel cozier, while the family cooks will appreciate the ability to see what they're doing. 
   
   
4. Smart accessories bring the kitchen into the 21st century. Pizza ovens, butcher blocks, and quartz worktops perk up real estate listings, capturing the attention of serious buyers.
   
   
5. Simple facelifts are the least expensive way to make the kitchen more attractive. Freshly painted cabinets, new hardware, and crown molding are just cosmetic, but they impart a feeling of newness that buyers want.

Bathroom Upgrades

1. Converting a tub to a shower offers a stylish replacement for a bulky, aged tub that is convenient, low-maintenance, and safe. Grab bars and seating can provide additional safety and comfort. Multiple showerheads combine luxury with convenience with little additional cost.
   
   
2. Jacuzzi tubs elevate a comfortable soak to an indoor hot tub experience. Buyers will imagine tired, sore muscles relaxing in their own private spa.
   
   
3. Non-porous acrylic tubs and sinks are stain-resistant and easy to clean.
   
   
4. Upgraded toilets may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering where you spend your remodeling budget, but for a few hundred dollars, you can install a much more comfortable option. Higher models and elongated seats are often preferable for taller individuals. The bidet is also gaining popularity and can be attached to an existing toilet or can be a stand-alone feature.
   
   
5. Cosmetic treatments in a bathroom are all about cleanliness and light. New paint or wallpaper, bright new lighting, and upgraded floor treatments are all inexpensive methods of making an old bathroom feel like new. 

A full kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from about $10,000 to $25,000, but cosmetic treatments can cost just a few hundred. Many renovations recoup 60-80% of the investment when the house is sold. Before you invest unnecessarily in expensive upgrades when putting your house on the market, contact us to discuss the pros and cons of your remodeling efforts. We'll help you make the best choices to obtain the sales price you want. 

A home inspection is a little like a first date. You might have butterflies in your stomach, frightful thoughts racing through your head, and you'll think of a million things that you forgot to do, or that can go wrong before you open the door. But, as with dating, there are some things you can do to sway the odds of a positive home inspection in your favor. By rolling up your sleeves and following these tips from our real estate agents, you'll pass your home inspection with flying colors.

• Go Through Your Home With Your Real Estate Agent
  Your agent has gone through this process many times. They know what the inspector will look for, and they can help you create a strategy to efficiently tackle any deficiencies with home maintenance, plumbing, wiring, pests, and more. Specifically, they will help you identify damage to your roof, plumbing problems, electrical issues, and other problems that could diminish the home's structural integrity.
  
  
• Take Fido to the Park
  Whether you have the friendliest pug or the sweetest lab, take your pets out of the home for the day. Take them to the park or a friend's house. This is especially important if you have a protective pet that could impede the inspector's ability to inspect the home.
  
  
• Declutter
  Clear out the closets, toss trash from the garage, and dig through the piles of trophies and other accumulation within basements and attics. You should clear the clutter to show the home, and you won't want to move it with you to your new home, so getting rid of it now means it is one less thing to do later. Plus, it will make it easier for the home inspector to gain access to every area of the home.
  
  
• Roll Up Your Sleeves (and pick up the phone!)
  You can fix many minor problems such as leaky faucets and other general maintenance tasks. However, you should hire a professional to repair any issues with HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc. Even in a seller's market with many fabulous Plymouth homes for sale that need a little work, buyers want "move-in ready" homes that they don't have to put a lot of initial effort into.
  
  
• Ensure the House is Fully Operational
  Ensure that gas, water, and electric systems are connected and operational. You should also make sure that all remote controls or smart home systems are available for the inspector to use when they arrive.
  
  
• Know the Home's History
  Has the home been remodeled by you or a previous owner? If so, was the work performed to code, and were the proper permits secured? Anytime a home is remodeled, it falls upon the current owner to address any deficiencies with remodeling work. The more you know about the status of the work performed on your home, the better.
  
  
• Give Them Time To Work
  Most home inspections take between 2-4 hours to finish. While it is natural to want it to be over with quickly, you should give your inspector time to thoroughly and properly examine the structure.   

Home inspections can be nerve-wracking, whether it's your first time or your tenth. Contact us to learn more about the steps we take to help ensure our clients are ready when the date of their home inspections rolls around. 

[caption id="attachment_4866" align="alignnone" width="700"] This Adirondack-style home at the Owl's Nest Golf Course in Thornton uses contrasting trim and meticuous landscaping to boost curb appeal. View listing.[/caption] When you're getting your White Mountains home ready to sell, one of the most important steps you can take to attract buyers is to boost curb appeal. The old saying about never getting a second chance to make a first impression holds true for real estate. Your home may have every top amenity on the inside, but homebuyers may pass by if outside appearances are neglected. Here are 5 tips for improving your home's curb appeal.

1. Clear Outdoor Clutter

Having a clutter-free house doesn't just apply to the interior of your home. Step outside and tour your property from a buyer's perspective. Your goal is to help prospective buyers visualize themselves in your property. Are you seeing tired lawn furniture, unused recreation equipment, and random garden tools? Clean up outdoor clutter to make your yard look larger and more inviting.

2. Repair and Repaint

Check the exterior of your home for cracks or splits in exterior window and door frames. Repair or replace trim, and then repaint. Don't neglect porches, railings, and decks. While you're at it, restore exterior doors with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. Especially if they're corroded, entry door hardware can look outdated and unappealing. Need help choosing a color for your front door? Check out this gallery of 28 color ideas from bold turquoise to stately red.

3. Install a New Mailbox and House Numbers

A brand-new mailbox and set of house numbers is an easy DIY fix that can make your home more attractive—and easier to find. Choose house numbers that complement the style of your home. If your mailbox is still in good shape, but is supported by a post that's leaning to one side, take the time for a full replacement.

4. Refresh Exterior Lights

Lighting designs go in and out of fashion. You can give your home an updated look by replacing or adding exterior lights. Attract eco-conscious homebuyers by choosing solar or energy-efficient lighting. Be sure to coordinate exterior fixtures. While they don't all have to match, they should have one or more unifying features like color, material, or styling. Another option to consider is getting smart outdoor lights that the homeowner can control using an app installed on a mobile device. Check with your Peabody & Smith agent to ask if this is a smart investment when listing your home for sale.

5. Neaten the Landscaping

A well-maintained lawn, manicured shrubs, and fresh mulch will add to the appeal of any home. Prune bushes and shrubs and remove dead leaves and weeds from flowerbeds. Lay a carpet of fresh mulch, and be sure to use the same color for a pulled-together look. Restore the lawn with seed or sod. Give extra attention to hardscaping like patios, walls, paths, and walkways. These features should be in picture-perfect condition. Today's homebuyers look for homes in move-in condition. Lastly, walk the perimeter of your property to clear out deadfall branches and repair any fencing. For more ideas and tips, check out our White Mountains Home Selling Guide.

If you own White Mountains real estate and you are planning to sell soon, spring is the perfect time to list your home. Buyers are more likely to shop for homes during spring. Your Peabody & Smith real estate agent has the expertise to help your home stand out to prospective buyers. Here's a handy checklist to help you spring into action to get your home ready for the prime selling season.

1. Eliminate clutter.

Put this all-important item first on your list. Getting rid of clutter is essential in several ways. First of all, clearing clutter exposes surfaces to make them easier to clean. Second, clutter-free rooms will make your house look larger. And third, buyers need to visualize themselves in the home you're listing. Eliminating personal items like photographs and collectibles will speed that process. Resist the urge to move items to the attic or basement. It's important to show off the space in those spaces. One idea to consider is arranging to rent a storage unit where you can safely store possessions you plan to keep and move to your next home.

2. Dust all rooms thoroughly.

Begin spring cleaning by thoroughly dusting each room in your home. Don't forget the attic, basement, and garage. Start at the top of the room, removing dust from fans, ceilings, and high shelves. Once everything has been dusted, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust that has collected on the floor. Give floors a deep cleaning after the dust has been removed from the room.

3. Wash windows and window screens.

Spring is the perfect time to clean the windows in your home. Remove all screens from your windows and clean them with warm water and mild soap. Wash both sides of the windows with an appropriate cleaner and wipe dry. You should also take this opportunity to wash the window treatments in your home. Once everything is clean, reinstall screens and hang window treatments back up.

4. Clean rugs and carpets.

Clean rugs and carpeting is essential when you put your home on the market. Begin by vacuuming your carpet thoroughly and treating any stains with an appropriate solvent. Next, use a carpet shampooer to clean all of the carpet in the home. Alternatively, you can hire a professional company to clean your rugs and carpets.

5. Polish metal hardware and make surfaces shine.

Use liquid polishes, creams, or paste to polish and shine all of the metal hardware in your home. Evaluate all surfaces and use an appropriate cleaner to make them sparking clean. If you've eliminated clutter (see Step 1), it will be much easier to spruce up surfaces with a quick cleaning in advance of a showing or an open house. In future posts, we'll take a look at easy ways to enhance the curb appeal of your home, as well some do's and don'ts for open houses. Stay tuned!

Are you thinking about selling your home? In today's market, it's true that properties priced closer to market value will sell first. In addition, the better "primed" your house is, the chances are it will show better than the next and therefore possibly sell before other similar properties. With the current market conditions and surplus of inventory, as agents we find the first time we take buyers out they are often shopping to remove homes from their list. Removing any homes that they recognize as not fitting their criteria and also those that don't show well, in short, those that don't leave a lasting impression. In the buyer's eyes, the care you show for your home can be an immediate correlation to how you have maintained your home. The servicing of the furnace, pumping of the septic, cleaning the chimneys. lawn mowing etc. Current service records and a house that is uncluttered and gleams will set yours apart and leave it at the top of their list to consider for a 2nd showing. As members of the Council of Residential Specialists we would like to share with you the helpful hints list to preparing your home to sell. These suggestions will help you gain a competitive edge. Just remember EVERY detail matters when we have the opportunity to show your home! If you would like more information on what you can do, please feel free to give us a call, we're happy to help.