_Lake Raymond Gary Properties_

Home staging (or property styling as it's commonly known as on the Australian property scene) is really an art, not a science. One of the many things a professional home stager understands is that it's the house that's up for sale, not the home owner's bread baking ability or taste in music. So, from the sublime to the rediculous - here's 8 myths of staging to sell - busted!

1. Buyers can see past my stuff
No - they can't. 95% of house hunters shop with a 'what you see is what you get' eye. You'll be maximising your chances of a better and quicker sale if you take the time to clean out, clean up and keep your look simple.

2. Baking bread, brewing fresh coffee and playing soft music will make a buyer fall in love with my house.
Maybe once upon a time this was true - but most would-be buyers are onto that old trick. It's more likely to trigger alarm bells, with many wondering what it is you're trying to hide. Your buyers will be happy with a place that looks and smells clean.

3. I'll need to clear everything out to help buyers see themselves living here.
This is only partly true. Wall to wall family photos are distracting, as is your porcelain rooster collection. These things are best put away. But don't go overboard, otherwise you'll end up with a look that feels cold and sterile.

4. If it's an original feature - it adds value.
Sometimes yes - but often no. Generally a property built less than 50 years ago without being updated is more likely to appear dated, rather than classic.

5. My place isn't worth staging.
All homes are worth taking the time to present in a positive light to buyers. The trick to knowing where to start and what to do is in having a good idea of what buyers in your target market will expect, along with learning more about what competing properties in your area are offering.

6. Empty rooms look bigger.                                                      

This is rarely the case. Buyers will always prefer to see how a room is used and what will fit in it, rather than be left to guess. Very large rooms can also be too intimidating for some. Even borrowed furniture can help buyers get an idea of scale and give the eye something of interest to focus on.

7. Converting a bedroom into a home gym won't be a problem.
Bedrooms are one of the most valuable commodities of the 'for sale' property. Having a home gym set up in a bedroom will prompt buyers to wonder why that is. I remember once looking at a house where this was the case. When I came across the bedroom with the gym in it, I immediately began to question if a bed would even fit. Always give the rooms in your house a purpose.

8. No need to worry about wardrobes and cupboards.
Home storage is a big deal to most buyers and is surprisingly valuable. Prospective buyers will open storage cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms, so keep them tidy. Keep only what you're using on a daily or weekly basis, and pack the rest away ready for the move.

Have you got a staging myth you'd like busted? Share them with me here.

 

Great Impressions Home Staging & Property Styling

Sydney, Central Coast, & Newcastle

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Help for the Buyer - Multiple Offers Without The Stomach Ache

I stay very busy working with buyers writing offers on short sales and bank owned properties in Destin, FL.  I like to seek out the best deals for my clients and this often leads to multiple offer situations.  This can be a very uncomfortable and stressfull situation for all agents and buyers involved.  The tips below will help any buyer in this situation.

1.  Do not make your offer based on the other offer.  For all you know the other offer could be ridiculously low and have contingencies all over it.  You will have no way of knowing the other offer unless the seller advises the listing agent to tell you.  Speculation will get you nowhere.

2.  Look at the comps and have your realtor provide you with a CMA "comparative market analysis".  Make your decision based on the comps and base your offer on this analysis.

3.  When you are told to submit your "Highest and Best Offer", submit your highest and best offer but understand that the bank or seller may ask for "Highest and Best" again.  I have had this happen a few times.

4.  Make your offer as clean as possible.  Do not include too many contingencies because you may lose out to a lower offer.

5.  I have seen foreclosures and short sales sell for over the asking price.  This happens all of the time.  Sometimes banks and agents price homes under market to create a bidding war. 

6.  The other agent is not lying about the other offer.  This would be a major violation and we cannot assume this.

Keep a cool head and make a good offer when there are multiple offers on the table.  Do not offer way too much and be careful with the low ball offers.

Clayton Bonjean, Broker, MBA, CDPE

www.mainsailrealtycompany.com

 

 

I work with mostly first-time homebuyers who are not familiar with the process of buying a home and who may be confused about how much money they may need to be able to buy.

DOWN PAYMENT - The minimum down-payment is usually 3.5% of the purchase price.  However, this can range from as little as 0% to as much as 20% of the price depending on the type of loan.  There are some programs available that assist with down-payment.  The Down Payment on your DREAM program in PG County is an example of a down-payment assistance program for first-time home buyers purchasing a vacant foreclosure in the County.

CLOSING COSTS - Closing costs are the costs associated with purchasing the home, acquiring the mortgage, purchasing title insurance, as well as any state or city taxes involved.  These costs vary by location and depending on your mortgage arrangements but usually run between 3% and 6% of the purchase price.  Sometimes arrangements can be made to have the seller assist the buyer with some or all of the closing costs.

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT - This deposit is submitted with the offer.  The deposit is held in escrow and credited towards the buyer's down payment and/or closing costs.  However, this check is cashed following acceptance of the offer.  The seller may be entitled to the deposit if the buyer defaults on the contract.  This deposit is usually a minimum of 1% of the purchase price and the amount may need to be increased in competitive situations.

HOME INSPECTION - This is paid for by the buyer at the time of inspection.  The costs involved vary depending on the size and purchase price of the home but cost approximately $250-$500.

TERMITE INSPECTION - Many mortgages require a termite inspection.  This can either be billed to the closing company and paid at the settlement table or paid for up front.  The costs range from $35-$55.

OTHER INSPECTIONS - Any additional inspections that the buyer is interested in having done are paid for by the buyer.  These may include radon inspections which can cost between $125 and $200, mold inspections, well water tests, septic system evaluations, chimney inspections, and anything else the buyer is interested in investigating prior to committing to purchase the home.

APPRAISAL - A few lenders will have the appraisal paid for at closing.  However, many lenders will have the buyers pay for this up-front.  That way if something goes wrong with the contract the lender is not stuck with the cost of the appraisal.  This can vary in cost from approximately $350-$550.

 

If you are interested in learning more about purchasing a home  or for more information about the down-payment assistance programs available in Prince George's County, MD don't hesitate to contact me.

Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh

Long & Foster Real Estate

www.staceybaugh.com

staceyannbaugh@gmail.com

240-481-3565 (C)

301-924-1100 (O)

 

I Make House-Calls!

 

Poison oak brings beautiful color to our northern California coastal range mountains. Who says California doesn't have changing foliage? Just a snap from my Blackberry today while out on a short hike.

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

 

 

HOME INSPECTIONS PROTECT HOME BUYERS - THEY ALSO PROTECT SELLERS AND AGENTS!

Probably the single most important step a home buyer can take as a part of the home purchase process is the home inspection. No one can guarantee the condition of a resale home. Therefore, the home buyer should understand that

1. You, a home buyer, cannot rely on the seller for information about the condition of the home they are offering for sale.

2. Buyers can protect themselves with a home inspection.

3. Some states go farther than others in providing protections for home buyers with required seller Property Condition Disclosure, while other states follow the "caveat emptor" rule which requires that the "buyer beware".

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH A HOME INSPECTION

We, as your agent, will do our very best, based on our experience with hundreds of home sold, to make you aware of potential problems with appliances; heating/cooling, interiors, exteriors and things we can see. However, a trained home inspector will not only test the mechanicals and appliances in a house, they will also inspect the structure, materials and condition of the components of a property. Cosmetics are not a part of a home inspection. 

A good home inspector will examine the house from top to bottom. Most inspections in Maryland and Virginia will evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanical systems. They will identify items that need to be repaired or replaced. They will also give you an estimate of useful life of the roof, appliances, mechanicals and any other equipment included with the home purchase.

You have negotiated all price, terms and conditions of the home purchase and now you want the home inspected. Good. Let's walk through a home inspection. At this point, a successful home inspection should be a contingency, meaning that, if the home inspection reveals serious defects, the home buyer can void the contract and be refunded their earnest money deposit. If the buyer decides to negotiate with the seller for repairs or compensation for defects, that stage requires that the buyer and seller negotiate repairs or agree to void the contract. So, the home inspection is a very important aspect of buying a home. A home warranty is not a substitute for a home inspection. Most home warranty policies do not protect for pre-existing conditions.

WALK THROUGH A TYPICAL HOME INSPECTION

STRUCTURE
The home inspector will look for structural integrity, They will evaluate the quality of construction and materials used.

EXTERIOR
A thorough inspection of the roof should reveal any past or present leaks. The exterior finishing will be inspected for cracked bricks, loose siding, improper grading and anything else suitable for your purchase.

INTERIOR
The interior will be observed for signs of movement. A good home inspector will look for signs of unusual cracking, separating, shifting in the house.

MECHANICALS
The heating and air conditioning will be tested, temperature permitting, and since this is an expensive appliance, the inspector may recommend servicing of the unit if it appears that the present owners have neglected this important duty.

 

APPLIANCES
All kitchen appliances will be run through their cycle to make sure that they function properly. The refrigerator will be tested for temperature and seals. The range, microwave, disposer will all be run to make sure they know what to do.

PLUMBING
All bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, exterior plumbing will be tested and inspected. This task has become very important since builders have been downgrading building materials for several years to compensate for escalating land costs.

ELECTRICAL
All visible wiring, panel boxes, fixtures, switches, outlets will be tested for operating condition and safety. Often we find home owner repairs will be the most hazardous. If the homeowner did not obtain a permit and have work inspected, it may be defective and dangerous. A good home inspector spends a lot of time looking at electrical components of a house.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE HOME INSPECTION??
If the home inspector finds serious problems such as structural defects, you will have to make a decision as to whether or not to go through with the purchase. If the home inspection shows defects that are repairable or replaceable, your agent will write an addendum requesting the repairs to be made by the seller prior to settlement. The seller may agree, refuse or negotiate a cash settlement to compensate you for the defects found.

You and your agent will decide on the best way to handle any defects found. The important thing is that you are an EMPOWERED HOME BUYER when you know the good AND the not so good about a home.

Your Buyer's Agent may recommend local home inspectors or you can find home inspectors trained and certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors, ASHI.com.

* * * * * * * * * *

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988, E-mail.

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